Daal

Daal or dal or dahl – a true Indian classic. Perfect weekday dinner. Meaty for the carnivores, yet completely vegan. This dish is for everyone.

  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 red chili or 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 medium-sized carrots, shredded
  • 2 parsnips or other root vegetables eg. turnip, sweet potato, shredded
  • 1 can of tomates (13.66 fl oz / 400 ml)
  • 1 can of coconut milk (13.66 fl oz / 400 ml)
  • 3.5 oz /100 gr split peas
  • 14 oz / 400 gr red lentils
  • Lime or lemon juice to taste
  • Soy sauce, salt & pepper to taste
  • Cilantro for topping

PROCEDURE

  1. Finely chop onions, garlic and ginger. And chili if using.
  2. Shred carrots and root vegetables and set aside.
  3. Heat coconut oil in a large pot and add onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili and curry for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the rest of the ingredients: canned tomatoes, coconut milk, shredded carrots and parsnips, split peas and red lentils + 1 quart / 1 liter water.
  5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and let daal simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes until the split peas are tender. Always taste to test.
  6. Season with juice from lemon or lime, soy sauce and salt & pepper.
  7. Serve with rice, pita bread or any Indian bread.
  8. Top with cilantro

Serves 6

Bonus: Daal freezes well. You can leave out the split peas, but they do wonders for the texture. Add more water, if you prefer a thinner Daal. I like mine on the thick side. Namaste.

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