Creamy Black Dhal With Crispy Onions Recipes

CREAMY SPICED DHAL

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, on a low heat, toast the mustard and cumin seeds until they give off a nutty aroma; be careful not to burn them. Set aside in a bowl. In the same pan, heat the oil over a low heat and soften the onion, garlic and ginger with the cardamom pods for 10 mins, adding a little water if they look like they might burn.
• Tip the lentils and toasted seeds into the pan, then stir for a couple of mins before pouring in the coconut milk and enough water to cover it all well. Bring to the boil, immediately cover the pan, turn it down to a low heat and leave to simmer for about 45 mins, stirring every now and then to make sure the mixture is not sticking. If it starts to become too thick, add a little more water. Serve with warmed pitta bread.

CHEAT'S BLACK DHAL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the cauliflower, including the leaves, with 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tbsp oil. Season well, spread out on a baking tray and bake for 15-20 mins or until cooked through and a little charred.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a saucepan over a medium heat and add the remaining spices. Once the cumin seeds begin to pop, add the onion and cook for 5 mins or until softened. Stir in the garlic and ginger paste, chilli, coriander stalks and 1 tbsp olive oil, and sizzle for a few mins until fragrant. Stir in the lentils, coating them in the spices, then add the coconut milk and turn up the heat so it bubbles away. Cook for a few mins until the lentils have absorbed some of the coconut milk, then pour in the lime juice and season.
• Divide the dhal into four bowls, top with the cauliflower and a scattering of coriander leaves, and serve with lime wedges on the side.