Sides

Dal

Recipe from Bhagawati Gurung

This lentil dish is popularly eaten in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. This recipe was taught to us in a City Market "Mosaic of Flavors class" by Bhutanese sisters. Serve with rice.

Prep Time

90 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Yield

6 Servings

Ingredients

1 cup lentils, red
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1⁄2 cup onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric, ground
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Instructions

Soak lentils in 2 cups warm water for 10 minutes. Then pour off water, rinse, and drain. Heat oil in a medium-sized pot. Once oil is hot, add onion, garlic, turmeric, lentils, and salt, and stir for 2 minutes. Add 6 cups water to the pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until lentils are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning. For added flavor, toast cumin seeds and add to soup before serving. Serves 4-6.

*For increased nutrition, soak lentils overnight, or 8-24 hours: Soak lentils in three times the amount of water, or enough to cover. Rinse and proceed with recipe (skipping the 10-minute soaking time).