It's no secret that we love food from all over the world, but this dish has become an almost-weekly staple in our house, since it's so easy and delicious!
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I had eaten plenty of this lentil dish over the years (yummy Indian buffets!), but it wasn't until we visited a friend of G's several years ago that it became a staple in our home.
We were staying with this friend just before leaving on our babymoon trip a few months before Gv was born and had planned to be as unobtrusive as possible, since it was Christmas and that is a crazy-busy time for a retired-but-not-really-retired priest.
We barely got to enjoy more than a few minutes of chit-chat with him before he would have to rush out to perform yet another Mass.
That's why I was so surprised when he offered to whip us up some lunch before heading out the door again, but when I watched how quick and easy it was for him to prepare this delicious dhal, it all made sense.
This is one of those dishes that tastes like it took all day to cook, but can pretty much be thrown together in ten minutes and needs only half an hour more to simmer away and fill your home with tantalizing smells before you can devour it!
We were staying with this friend just before leaving on our babymoon trip a few months before Gv was born and had planned to be as unobtrusive as possible, since it was Christmas and that is a crazy-busy time for a retired-but-not-really-retired priest.
We barely got to enjoy more than a few minutes of chit-chat with him before he would have to rush out to perform yet another Mass.
That's why I was so surprised when he offered to whip us up some lunch before heading out the door again, but when I watched how quick and easy it was for him to prepare this delicious dhal, it all made sense.
This is one of those dishes that tastes like it took all day to cook, but can pretty much be thrown together in ten minutes and needs only half an hour more to simmer away and fill your home with tantalizing smells before you can devour it!
What You Need
2 Tablespoons sesame oil (olive works, too)
8 minced garlic cloves
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
1 quart chicken broth
2 cups dried lentils
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons coriander
2 teaspoons turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 can tomato paste
Fun things to occasionally add:
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1-2 cups spinach
2 diced sweet potatoes
What You Do
1. Heat the oil in a large stockpot, then add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook until translucent.
2. Add everything else but the tomato paste and bring to a low boil, then simmer (covered) about 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook a couple more minutes. Serve with rice or as a soup.
2. Add everything else but the tomato paste and bring to a low boil, then simmer (covered) about 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook a couple more minutes. Serve with rice or as a soup.
Do you like simple, but tasty dishes like this one? I'd love to hear! Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.
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