Hello Dhal-ing: our fave dhal recipe

As comforting as it is nourishing, dhal is one of those awesome recipes that can easily become a family favourite on weekly rotation. This recipe is easy to make and full of fresh flavours. Enjoy!

For the dhal:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, sliced into thin half-moons
• pinch of salt
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 fresh green chilli, finely diced
• 375g / 13oz red lentils
• thumb-size piece of fresh ginger, finely grated
• pinch of salt

To serve:

• handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped
• 1 tomato, finely diced
• cooked rice

Method: 

1. In a large, heavy-based saucepan, add the oil and sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Sauté over a low heat until transparent.
2. Add the spices and garlic, and stir into the onion mixture for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pop in the red lentils and enough water to cover them by about 5cm / 2”.
4. Stir, and turn the heat up to high. Once water comes to the boil, reduce heat to low and stir occasionally for about 30 minutes, or until lentils are soft. It should be a porridge-like consistency-add more water if necessary. If it’s too thin, keep on the heat and reduce down.
5. Add the ginger and season with a good pinch of salt.
6. Combine the chopped coriander and tomato, and set aside in a bowl.
7. Add rice to bowls and ladle the dhal over the top.
8. Garnish with a handful of the fresh tomato and coriander mix.

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Hello Dhal-ing: Our Fave Dhal Recipe, was originally published in Lunch Lady Magazine Issue 3. Recipe and photo by Kate Berry.