Dal
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

5-6 cups�water
2 cups�lentils (or split chickpeas), washed and picked over
1 �bay leaf
3 tablespoons�butter
1 �large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon�minced ginger
1 tablespoon�cumin seeds
1 tablespoon�black mustard seeds (do not substitute yellow)
1 1/2 teaspoons�ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons�ground turmeric
pinch of ground cloves
pinch of cayenne, or to taste
salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
2-3 cups�hot cooked rice
cooking spray

Directions

Spray a large heavy soup pot with cooking spray and add the water, lentils, and bay leaf. Place over high heat and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, until lentils are very soft, about 1 hour.

While the lentils are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the ginger and all of the spices. Lower the heat slightly and cook stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Scrape this spice mixture into the lentils and continue cooking until the lentils are very soft, thick, and saucelike. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot over rice, or let cool and reheat the next day (it will be even better).

Ease of preparation: Easy

Preparation time: 10 min
60 min soaking time

Cook time: 1 hr

Servings: 4-6