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Things are a little tight this month so I made a resolution to use up all (or a lot) of the food that I have in my pantry and freezer. Sure, I should always be doing this anyway but exciting recipes always seem to entice me into trying (and buying) new things.
Anyway, I have two huge bags of lentils (a.k.a. “dal”) sitting in my pantry that have been waiting for their day in the spot light. I saw this recipe for Dal Nirvana over on Steamy Kitchen and it looked so scrumptious that I had to try it. The best part is that the ingredient list is mostly items that I already have. Indian recipes are tricky because they usually include ingredients that I don’t have nor have I ever heard of! This recipe, on the other hand is different. It’s simple, it’s delicious, it’s super filling and I’d happily eat it every day.
I served the Dal with some simple, steamed jasmine rice and homemade naan (Indian flat bread). The recipe for the naan will be up in a couple of days… it turned out AMAZING!
Place the lentils in a pot and cover with a couple inches of water. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil until tender (about ten minutes). Drain the lentils in a colander.
While the lentils are boiling, mince the garlic and peel and grate the ginger (use a small cheese grater). Return the drained lentils to the pot (medium heat) and add the butter, ginger, garlic, cayenne, cumin, salt and pepper.
Add the can of tomatoes and one cup of water. Stir it all together, bring it to a simmer then reduce the heat to low. Put a lid on the pot and let it simmer for half an hour. The mixture should be soft and thick after a half hour. If it is not, continue to simmer, adding more water if it dries out. You want the end product to be thick, not watery.
Stir in the evaporated milk or cream and garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro. Serve over rice or with naan bread for dipping!
I have this huge bag of brown lentils so that is what I used. Black lentils were used in the Steamy Kitchen recipe so feel free to experiment.
Place the lentils in a pot and cover with two inches of water.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Boil until the lentils are soft (about ten minutes).
While the lentils boil, mince the garlic, peel and grate the ginger.
Drain the lentils then return them to the pot (reduce heat to medium).
Add the butter, garlic, ginger, cayenne, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir it on up.
Add the can of crushed or diced tomatoes, one cup of water and stir it all together.
Simmer the mixture with a lid on until it is cooked down to a soft, thick mixture.
Add the evaporated milk or cream…
Stir it up, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve it up!
NOTE: I’m sure you could make this recipe for less money than I did. I happened to be near a Whole Foods yesterday so I stopped there to pick up the few ingredients that I didn’t have (cilantro, ginger, cream and diced tomatoes). I may have paid a little more than usual but this recipe is so simple and inexpensive that it was still well worth it.
The Steamy Kitchen version says it serves four but I portioned out my lunches and got six servings out of the pot. Of course, I was serving the Dal with rice and naan which bulked up the meal as a whole.
If the lentils or dal are still runny keep cooking until they are not. Lentils will thicken naturally if you simmer them uncovered, and allow the broth to steam away. It may take a while so don't forget about them simmering or else you may return to a pot of burnt lentils.
You can easily thicken the dal by simmering it a bit more (uncovered, of course), or thin it out a bit with some extra water. If you'd like to make it smoother (and the dal is already completely tender), just whisk it a few times. Some recipes tell you to puree the dal in a blender, but I rarely do so.
While brown lentils are fairly 'all-purpose,' red/yellow lentils are best for soups and stews where their mushy texture works well. In comparison, green and brown lentils maintain their shape after cooking and are great for salads, casseroles, side dishes, etc.
All types of lentils can usually be used interchangeably, although they may not have quite the same texture or, of course, colour. Orange, red and green lentils will turn mushier than puy lentils, which hold their shape and keep their texture well.
Ensure water is covering lentils. Bring to a rumbling simmer, then lower heat to a regular simmer. Let lentils cook for around 20 to 30 minutes (see time variations below), or until soft and chewy but still firm. If water level drops below lentils before they're cooked, add a little more liquid.
Well, as healthy as they are, lentils are also known to cause some tummy issues like bloating and flatulence to be more specific. The presence of anti-nutrient compounds in lentils is the culprit behind gas or flatulence. The good news is that anti-nutrient in lentils can be easily deactivated by soaking them in water.
You don't absolutely have to soak the red lentils but from what I have read, if you soak them and drain the water, it helps to remove some of the phytic acid which makes them easier to digest. Doing so reduces the cooking time, as well!
To make the dal flavourful and aromatic, heat mustard oil or 2 spoons of ghee in a tadka pan. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp mustard seeds to it. After the mustard and cumin seeds crackle, add them to the lentils and enjoy the flavourful dal.
Let the dal remain soaked for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of dal. Split pulses can be soaked for 30 minutes or 1 hour and whole pulses should be soaked for 2 hours. This will not only break down complex carbs but will also cut down cooking time.
The best part is that black lentils are the most nutrient-dense type of lentil, including high quantities of calcium, potassium, iron, and protein. According to the USDA, a half cup of raw black lentils has 960 mg of potassium, 100 mg of calcium, 8 mg of iron, and 26g of protein.
Black Beluga lentils have the most flavor, adding a rich, earthy taste and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Black lentils will be ready in 20–25 minutes; however, they will fall apart like their brown, green, and red partners once you cook them for too long.
Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.
Red lentils cook faster and turn into a mushy consistency, making them ideal for soups and stews. Black lentils hold their shape better and have a slightly nuttier flavor. They are often used in salads and as a side dish. Brown lentils are the most versatile and have a mild earthy flavor.
In terms of overall nutrient density and health benefits, lentils are often considered one of the healthiest beans. Lentils are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and several essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and potassium.
As I noted above, I like to use a mix of lentils such as petite French green lentils, which hold their shape, along with red, brown or yellow lentils, which quickly dissolve to mush, but experiment with what you have on hand and tailor to your liking.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 40 minutes (add more water if needed). The consistency should not be too thin or thick. If too thick, add more water. If too thin, simmer a little longer.
Sometimes soup just needs to simmer longer to reach the perfect consistency. Check to see if the vegetables are tender, and then taste the broth. If the soup tastes a bit watery, give it more time.
The dhal will thicken slightly as it cools, so stir in a splash of water when reheating to reach your preferred consistency. The dhal can be served on its own as a side dish or with lots of delicious accompaniments for a main.
The fluidity of dal depends on what you're serving it with. They tend to be thinner and more soup-like if they are being served with rice and thicker if they are to go with rotis, parathas and puris. But flow they should.
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Servings 6
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