Split Yellow Pea Dal

Dal is a split lentil stew typical of Indian cuisine.
It is especially delicious with fresh salad, rice or homemade Indian naan bread!

Ingredients:

For the peas:
2 cups split yellow peas, rinsed
6 cups cold water (5 cups for cooking and 1 cup extra – if needed to get the right consistency for dal)
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon GARAM MASALA
1 handful fresh coriander, chopped

For the tomato and onion sauce:
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
¾ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
2-3 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
2-3 cm piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons oil
1 handful coriander, chopped
1 small red chilli, minced (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add yellow split peas, cold water and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes (uncovered). Stir occasionally, adding a little more water if needed.
3. During the last 5 minutes, stir in turmeric, garam masala and half the amount of chopped coriander.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a pan over medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin and fenugreek seeds. Heat, stirring, until the spices are fragrant.
5. Add the chopped onion and fry until translucent.
6. Stir in the garlic, ginger and chilli (optional), then add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for about 15-20 minutes (over medium heat). You may need to add a splash of water (if the sauce thickens too much).
7. Prepare the dal: Add the tomato and onion mixture to the cooked yellow peas and mix well. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve the dal warm.

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe: plantbasedfolk.com