Dhal is comfort food at its best, it is a simple dish but a staple in most Indian homes. In South Africa our dal is more soup like, however the consistency of the dhal really depends on individual preference.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients in bold available at Spice Bazaar.

1 cup split yellow peas
3 cups water
2 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp butter, ghee or oil
½ teaspoon black mustard seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 red dry chillies halved or 2 green chillies slivered
8 – 10 curry leaves (optional)
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1 small onion, chopped
1 small tomato, chopped
½ teaspoon tumeric powder
1 tablespoon chopped coriander (optional)
Salt to taste

Method

  1. Rinse, soak and cook split peas in water with 1tsp turmeric powder until soft. Use a hand blender stick and pulse to preferred consistency.
  2. Heat the preferred fat (butter, ghee or oil). Add the mustard and cumin seeds. As the splattering stops, add the chillies, curry leaves and garlic.
  3. Stir in the onion and sautée for two to three minutes until onions soften.
  4. Add the tomato and turmeric powder. Then stir in the cooked split peas, with salt to taste.
  5. Bring to boil, turn down heat to simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the coriander.
  6. Ready to serve with rice, bread, biryani or as a soup.