Red Lentil Dhal Recipes

Steps:

• Place lentils in a pan with the salt, cover with the water and bring to the boil.
• Remove the froth, reduce the heat and put the lid on the pan - leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Check the lentils are cooked by squeezing them between your fingers. Once soft remove from the heat.
• In a frying pan heat the oil or butter. Using a fork pierce the whole chillies and add to the pan with a bay leaf and the cumin seeds.
• When the seeds sizzle, remove the chilli and set to one side for your garnish.
• Add the onion and garlic and fry until lightly browned. Reduce the heat and add the tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, fenugreek and the chopped chilli. Gently let the ingredients cook down for about 10 minutes to make a thick masala paste.
• Add a ladle full of the lentils (dhal) to the masala paste in the frying pan and stir together, then empty all the contents back into the pan with the lentils and stir. It should have the consistency of a thick soup but if it's too thick just add a little boiling water and remove from the heat. If you prefer it thicker just leave it on the heat to reduce until you get the consistency you want.
• Check the seasoning and add a little salt if required. Stir in the garam masala, coriander and top with the whole chillies to serve.

Steps:

• Heat a glug of oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Fry the onion gently for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and red chilli and cook for a few minutes more.
• Whilst that is cooking, grind the cumin, coriander and mustard seeds lightly in a pestle and mortar. Then add to the pan, along with the turmeric and garam masala and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the lentils along with the tomatoes, coconut milk and stock, then stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper and cook on a medium/low heat until thick - at least 15-20 minutes (stirring often so that it doesn't stick to the pan).Taste and add more chilli if desired.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice and the handfuls of spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and then serve with your chosen accompaniment.

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large pan.
• Cook onion and garlic, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and is turning clear.
• Add bay leaf and spices and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
• Tip in the lentils and the stock (made with the water and the stock powder), bring the mixture to the boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a lid whilst simmering, so that the liquid does not evaporate too quickly.
• Cook until the lentils are tender, about 25 - 30 minutes.
• Stir in the coriander and serve.
• Suggested accompaniments, steamed rice, naan bread, poppadoms.

Steps:

• In one pot put the lentils and water.
• Add the turmeric, chilly, salt and curry leaves and bring to boil.
• Cook for about 20 minutes.
• In a separate sauce pan heat up the ghee and add the mustard and ajwain seeds.
• When you hear the seeds pop add the chopped onion and shredded ginger.
• Cook the onions until they are well cooked and brown. To them add the diced tomatoes and finely chopped garlic.
• Cook until the tomatoes become soft and are well mixed in the sauce.
• Add the sauce to the lentils and simmer for another 10 minutes.