Spiced Red Lentil Dal

Ingredients

• 2 tbsps Peanut oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 1 cup Dried red lentils, washed and any stones picked out
• 2 tbsps Fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Mustard seeds
• 2 cloves
• 1 tsp Cracked black pepper
• pinch Salt
• 2 tbsps Cold butter (optional but worth it)
• Chopped coriander to taste

Directions

1. Heat peanut oil in a saucepan over medium high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook on medium until soft – you don’t want to over-brown the onion.
3. Remove the onion and throw in the ginger, garlic, mustard seeds and cloves.  Fry off over a medium heat – again, you don’t want to brown the garlic.
4. Add the lentils and pepper and stir to combine.
5. Add water to cover the lentils by about 2-3 cm (I stick my index finger in to the top of the lentils and fill until the water is up to my first joint.
6. Bring the lentils to the boil.  Adjust the heat so the mixture gently simmers.
7. Cook until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.  This will take about 15-20 minutes.  You may need to add more water.
8. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.  The lentils should be saucy but not soupy.
9. Remove the cloves from the pan.  Add the onion.
10. Stir in butter and taste and adjust seasoning.
11. Garnish with coriander and serve with Roti.