Lentil 1

Here is an easy way to get all the protein you need for a day. There are just too many way to prepare the different types of lentils^ I will be introducing you to. Here is the first one.

Pointer 1: Look for these lentils in a health food store or, you can always contact me to get the different varieties I am going to give the recipes for in these pages..
Pointer 2: You may mix and match lentils. Just be aware that they have varying cooking times.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of moong dhal^ (payatham paruppu)
• 1/2 tsp. of turmeric
• 1 Tbsp. of canola oil
  
• garam masala^ (blend of spices)
• 1/4 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp. of red chilli powder
• 1 medium sized tomato cut into little cubes
• salt to taste
• a Tbsp. of cut coriander leaves
  
  

Method:
Wash lentil. Cook lentil with enough water in a saucepan/pot. Add the turmeric powder while it is cooking. After the initial boil, you may lower the heat a little. Let the lentil cook completely. Add salt now to suit your taste. The consistency should be that of a medium thick soup, like a gravy.

Garnish:
You may use a medium-sized pan or a little wok. Add the oil. Let it warm a little. Drop the cumin seeds. You will see it turn light brown in color. Now add the tomatoes. Saute the tomatoes for about 3 minutes. Now add the red chilli powder. Drop the cooked lentils into the pan or wok. If the pan or wok is too small for the quantity you may transfer the garnish to the pot in which the lentils were cooked. Let the entire mixture cook for about 5 minutes. Now add garam masala. Mix well. In about 2 mins. turn off heat. You may add the coriander leaves right before serving and mix in. Dhal is tastiest when hot. Tastes great with Indian breads.

^ Please contact me for any of these ingredients or utensils.