Dhal

Dhal is one of those magical dishes.  The simple coming together of the humble lentil paired with a perfectly balanced combination of spices (best toasted and freshly ground), cooked long and slow and served steaming hot.  What I love about dhal is that it holds its own when served simply with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkling of coriander in a generously sized bowl for one.  It is also however, equally as good when served alongside a whole raft of dishes so make sure the next time you feel compelled to cook Indian that this dish features in your line-up.

Ingredients

Serves 4

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• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
• ½ tsp tumeric
• 1 tsp coriander seeds, toasted and freshly ground
• 1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted and freshly ground
• 250g red lentils, washed and drained
• 1 400g tin tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups hot water
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt

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• Yoghurt to serve
• Coriander to garnish

Method

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• 1. In a large frying pan fry the onions, garlic and ginger over a low heat for approximately 20 minutes. Long slow cooking at this point forms the basis of a good curry.
• 2. Add the tumeric, coriander and cumin and cook for a further minute or two. Add the lentils and tomatoes and stir to combine. Then add the hot water, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 20 minutes.
• 3. Lastly stir through the garam masala and the salt and serve hot with a big dollop of natural yoghurt and a few coriander leaves.