Dal, Indian Spiced Lentils

 Dal (Dhal) is a super easy lentil stew full of flavor!
It is one of the staple dishes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine and I LOVE it! I added chick peas to this one to make it a little more filling. The ingredient list looks long but there are a lot of spices here, which makes it so delicious! This is a dish that gets better with time. Great for lunch for days after if your family doesn't devour it all at once (we did!). I will have to make another batch soon. Serving this over rice is optional but the Naan bread and Raita is a must for me! A perfect meal for a chilly winter night. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

I left the pepper whole for just a little heat. Remove before serving.

2 cups red lentils
4 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
4 fresh, or 2 cans chopped tomatoes
1 Serrano pepper, slit
1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained



Spice mix:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 heaping tablespoon Garam Masala
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cilantro, for garnish

Pour water into a large pot and add lentils. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, chop vegetables. Add onion to a medium pan and saute until soft, about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and continue cooking 1 minute more. Add sauteed vegetables, tomatoes and pepper to boiling lentils. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils have broken down, about 30 minutes. Add chick peas and continue simmering 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, wipe down the saute pan you used earlier and add  vegetable oil. When oil is hot add the spice mix and cook, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. Just long enough to bring out thee smells of the spices! Add oil and spices to the lentils and stir to combine. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice, Naan bread and Raita. I like a squeeze of lime too!

Raita:

I small carton plain yogurt

1/4 cup grated cucumber

1 tablespoon chopped mint

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of salt and pepper

In a small bowl mix yogurt with remaining ingredients. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

If you would like more heat in this dish chop the pepper and add to lentils. you can also add a little cayenne.

Serves 6-8