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You need:
- 1 Pack of lentil(dal) Masala,
- 1 cup any vegetable or combination, e.g. cubed
red potatoes, eggplant, green beans, red onions, cauliflower, etc.,
- 1 medium chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro.
Preparation:-
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Soak the lentil(dal) in HOT water for 1-3 hours,
overnight is preferred . Wash until the water runs clear, about 3-4 times.
If no time then just wash until water runs clear, add 1 cup extra water
as it will cook longer.
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Boil in 4-6 cups of water until lentil(dal) is tender. About 20-30 minutes
covered. Pressure cooker 5-10 minutes, the pressure cooker will vary in
timing.
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Heat 2-3Tbspn of oil in separated pan. Add
*Dal Masala. roast
for 30 seconds.
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OPTIONAL:-Add vegetables, add 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook until
vegetables are tender.
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Now add the cooked lentil(dal).
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Adjust the consistency
of Lentil(dal) by adding water or boiling it off.
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Adjust salt & lemon
juice.
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Add chopped tomatoes and cilantro. Serve with Basmati rice Pullao.
Variation1: You can just roast the spice in oil and add to the
boiled lentil. Add chopped tomatoes and cilantro.
Variation2:- Make Dal(lentil) curry:- Cook
lentils, Add the vegetables. Tomatoes & cilantro. Add 1/2-3/4 cup of
tomato puree or blend canned tomato jalepeno and to the Dal(lentil).
Adding tomato puree to Dal(lentil) it gives a totally different taste. It
will have thicker consistency and "sourish" taste. Add tomato puree at
last stage of cooking.
Tips:
- The longer you soak the dal it will be easier
& fast to cook.
- Soaking over night is preferred. You can soak
the dal in HOT water for few hours. If no time to soak then wash the
lentils and cook just add 1cup more of water and follow the rest of
steps.
- Cooking dal in cooker will be fast. All cookers
are different and cooking time may vary.
- Make sure you take enough oil to roast the Masala
as it will release flavors.
- Add Masala to your taste. For heavy flavor add
all the Masala.
- *For the
first time if you are not sure about the Dal Masala then add 1/2-3/4
masala and if you think you need more then just quickly sauté the rest
of spice and add to the Dal(lentil).
- For spicier taste all jalapeño/Serrano pepper
while cooking lentils(dal).
- You can add vegetables to Dal(lentils) while it
is still(last stage) cooking but be careful and vegetables can get over
cooked.
Is Tomato Paste being wasted? Don't have to, after
using 1Tblspn for the curry empty the remaining paste in 1Tblspn measure
in ice cube tray and freeze. Put it away in zip lock bag for convenient
use for next time.
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