In my opinion, dal is the macaroni and cheese of Indian food. It is the ultimate comfort food and it can be found as a staple in most households and is often found most evenings at the dinner table. If you want to introduce your children to Indian food, this is a great way to open their palettes to various warming spices and flavors without overwhelming them.

Servings: FOUR

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

• ½ yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon ghee, butter, or coconut oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½-inch knob ginger, minced

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 2 ½ cups water

• 1 ¼ cups of rice, cook according to directions

• cilantro (optional garnish)

  Spice Mix

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground coriander

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

PREPARATION

1 Gather ingredients for spice mix and set aside.

2 Heat a large stockpot to medium.  Add 1 tablespoon ghee, butter or coconut oil.  Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes. 

3 Add garlic, ginger, and spice mix. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.    

4 Add lentils, water, and coconut milk.  Bring to a boil.

5 Reduce to low, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring about halfway through.     

6 Garnish with cilantro.

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