Dal chawal [dal & rice] is eaten in all Indian homes from slums to mansions as a main course or side dish. There are dozens of lentil varieties & regional preparations. Here is a simple moong dal with a spice crust from the province of Sindh.
Makes 1 quart | 1 hour + soak time
ingredients
1 ½ cups moong dal
3 cups water
1 tsp turmeric
1 Tbsp ginger puree
1 tsp salt
3 Tbsp ghee or oil
Topping masala
2 tsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp amchur
2 tsp cracked coriander
2 tsp chili powder
instructions
Rinse the lentils in water 3 times, then soak for 30 minutes. Drain by pouring most of the water out (a little remaining water is okay).
In a stockpot bring the lentils, 2 1/2 cups of water turmeric, ginger powder & salt to a boil. Discard any foamy scum that may rise to the top. Turn the heat to low, cover & cook for 25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Transfer the dal into a shallow serving bowl. Combine topping masala & spread evenly over the dal. Heat up the ghee in a small frying pan & pour over the top - spices will form a crust on top of the dal. Serve & enjoy!
ideas / variations
Stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach just before the dal finishes cooking. It will wilt but remain bright green.
Add 2 cups grated carrots to the dal at the start of cooking.
Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, just before topping it with spice crust.
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