Exquisite Spiced Yellow Dal with Tomatoes and Greens

Delight in this aromatic and flavorful dish, where rich yellow lentils are simmered to perfection with fragrant spices, hearty tomatoes, and vibrant greens. Served with rice or warm naan, this dal is a true culinary masterpiece that will enchant your taste buds.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Perfect Dal
1 1⁄2	cups toor dal (split pigeon peas)
1	pinch asafetida (optional)
3⁄4	teaspoon ground turmeric
1 1⁄2	tablespoons minced, peeled ginger root
2 1⁄2	teaspoons salt, or to taste
1	handful cilantro, chopped
2	tablespoons vegetable oil
2	teaspoons black mustard seeds
15	fresh curry leaves
1 1⁄2	teaspoons cumin seeds
1	dried hot, red chile pepper
1	large red onion, finely chopped
10	cherry tomatoes, halved
2	cups packed chopped greens, such as spinach, kale or chard leaves

Instructions

• Mastering the Art of Dal

  1. Soak the lentils in a large bowl for 2 hours, changing the water 2 to 3 times. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large soup pot, combine the soaked lentils with 9 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then add the asafetida and turmeric. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until the lentils are tender. Stir in ginger and salt.
  3. For the spice topping, heat oil in a skillet and add mustard seeds. Once they pop, add curry leaves, cumin seeds, red pepper, onion, and tomatoes. Cook until softened. Add greens and sauté briefly. Mix in some lentil mixture from the pot to collect any flavorful bits, then combine everything. Add the topping to the pot of lentils.
  4. Serve the dal in bowls with rice or naan. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Aug 15, 2024