Bengali Sweet and Sour Lentils
- Ready In:
- 1hr 10mins
- Ingredients:
- 20
- Serves:
-
4
ingredients
- 1 1⁄4 cups channa dal
- 1 quart water
- 2 bay leaves, torn (or curry leaves)
- 3 fresh chili peppers, slit to remove seeds, but left whole
- 3⁄4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1⁄2 teaspoon asafoetida powder
- 2 -3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1⁄2 onion, finely chopped
- 3⁄4 inch fresh gingerroot, finely chopped
- 1 ounce creamed coconut, grated
- 1 fresh green chile, seeded if desired, and chopped
- 1 1⁄2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1⁄2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground coriander
- salt, to taste
-
To Garnish
- 1 tablespoon ghee, melted
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- fresh cilantro, chopped
directions
- Rinse lentils thoroughly under running water, and remove any foreign matter.
- Combine the lentils and water in a large pan (which has a lid) and bring to the boil, skimming off the foamy scum as necessary. When the scum has ceased rising to the surface, stir in the bay leaves, chilies, turmeric and asafoetida.
- With the lid half covering the pan, let the lentils simmer gently for around 40 minutes, or until tender and the water is absorbed.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the onion and ginger and saute, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the grated creamed coconut, green chili, sugar, tamarind paste, garam masala, cumin and coriander, and stir for around 1 minute.
- When the lentils are tender, add the sauteed coconut/spice mixture and stir around to mix thoroughly. Taste and add salt, as necessary, and extra sugar or tamarind as desired.
- Transfer the dal to a serving dish, drizzle the hot ghee over the top, and sprinkle with the garam masala and cilantro.
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
Daydream
Australia
<p>I was raised in a family that loves to travel, meet people from other countries, and taste new foods. We are quite 'international' - my brother's wife is Indian, my sister's husband is Swiss and my son's wife is of Swedish and Croatian origin. My little dogs are German - miniature Dachshunds.</p>
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