Spice Symphony: Crafting A Speedy, Soulful Red Lentil Dahl

Heartwarming Dish that Honors Simplicity and Excites the Taste Buds.

Step into the heart of our kitchen, where we'll craft a speedy yet soulful lentil dhal. Infused with fragrant spices, velvety coconut milk, and a touch of artistry with the optional Tarka.   This is my own recipe, which was inspired by travels around vibrant India. It is something we often eat as the ingredients are budget-friendly and readily available in most places.  It not only tantalises the taste buds but also honours the beauty of simplicity. 

Red Lentils

Preparation time: 5 mins

Cooking time: 15 minutes approx.

Serves 4 Cooking Time 20 mins

Vegan 

Utensils - Chopping board, knife, spatula, skillet or pan, measuring cup.

Dahl Ingredients

• 1 onion diced (red or white) 

• 3 cloves of garlic (diced) 

• Thumb size piece of ginger (chopped) 

• 1 1/2 tps turmeric 

• 1 1/2 tps cumin 

• 1 1/2 tps ground coriander 

• 1 1/2 tsp garam masala 

• 1/2 chilli flakes or 1 fresh chilli (chopped)

• 1 tin coconut milk (400ml)

• 1 tin tomatoes (400ml)

• 250g red dry lentils/1 can cooked lentils* 

• Coriander leaves (handful)

• 300ml water *if using precooked lentils you don’t need the 300ml of water!!!   

Chilli’s, garlic, herbs and spices.

Tarka Ingredients

• 2 red onions (thinly sliced).

• Thumb size piece of ginger (chopped) 

• Coriander stalks chopped (handful).

• 20g of butter 

• A glug of oil 

Dahl Cooking Instructions - 20 mins

1. Fry your onion until lightly golden. 

2. Add garlic and ginger for 30 secs-1min, then add in your spices and fry until aromatic. 

3. Chop your tomatoes and add to the pan, then add your coconut milk.

 4. Add 250g of lentils, then top up with 200 ml of water. 

5. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stirring occasionally. It will be ready to serve when the lentils are soft and the sauce has thickened. 

6. Meanwhile, now is the time to start cooking your rice if required  (follow the packet instructions). The dhal will be ready when the rice is done. 

7. When the Dahl is cooked, make the Tarka (instructions). Then, season the Dahl with salt and pepper, stir in the coriander leaves, and top with the Tarka. 

Tarka Cooking Instructions (4-5 mins)

1. Add the oil and butter to a pan. 

 2. Heat till very hot. 

3. Add the onions and fry until just before they’re very crisp.  

4. Then add the remaining ingredients and fry briefly. 

5. Serve on top of the dahl. 

Serve with rice and naan bread.

Conclusion: In the spirit of embracing simplicity, revel in the swift creation of our lentil dhal masterpiece. Let this dish be a celebration of life's flavours, the harmonising speed with soulfulness. Bon appétit!