Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils – rinsed
- 3 cups room temperature water
- 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 inch cinnamon stick
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 green chili pepper (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 1 tablespoon finely minced ginger root
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium tomato – diced
- 1/2 lemon – juice of
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Method
Place the rinsed lentils in a large saucepan along with 3 cups of room temperature water. Turn the heat to medium and allow the lentils to cook for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cinnamon stick; cook for 60 to 90 seconds, until fragrant. Add the onion, green chili pepper, garlic, and ginger; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are turning translucent.
Add the turmeric, cardamom, paprika, salt, and tomato to the pan.
Sauté until the tomato begins to fall apart, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Discard the cinnamon stick.
Once the lentils are cooked, drain off any excess water that is on top of the lentils, but do not drain off all the water.
Stir the spiced onion mixture into the pot of lentils.
Add the lemon juice and stir well.
Taste and add salt as needed. If it is too dry, then add some water. If it is too wet, then cook on low until it thickens to your liking.
Garnish with coriander.
Storage and reheating
You can store this recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you are wanting to freeze this dish you can do so as well and it will last up to 3 months.
To reheat this dish on your stovetop you can place the dal in a pot and heat it on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out if it has thickened in the fridge.
To reheat this dish in the microwave simply transfer the dal to a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through.
