Creamy Lentil And Split Pea Dhal Recipes

CREAMY LENTIL AND SPLIT-PEA DHAL

Steps:

• Place lentils and split-peas in a bowl and add cold water to cover. Set aside for 30 minutes. Drain.
• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the lentils, split-peas, tumeric and chillies. Boil uncovered until the lentils and split-peas are tender (about 30 minutes). Drain, place in a bowl and mash coarsely. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat and add the mustard seeds. Cook until they crackle (about 30 seconds). Stir in the cumin seeds and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Stir in garam masala and ground coriander.
• Stir in the mashed lentils and peas, water, cream and tomato. Season with salt and bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, stirring often for 4 minutes. Adjust the seasoning, stir in the fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

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.

TODDLER RECIPE: MILD SPLIT PEA & SPINACH DHAL

Steps:

• Soak the yellow split peas in a bowl of water for 20 mins. Rinse thoroughly in a few changes of water.
• Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan. Cook the onion for 5-10 mins, stirring from time to time until softened and starting to caramelise. Add the garlic and spices and cook for a further 1-2 mins allowing the aromas to release.
• Pulse the cashews in a food processor into fine pieces - make sure you do this well so that there is no risk of choking. Add the split peas and cashews to the pan, then pour in enough water to cover it by a few cms. Crumble in the veg stock cube. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 1hr or until the split peas are tender, stirring from time to time. If they start to look a little dry, add in more water as needed during the cooking. Stir through the frozen chopped spinach and once the dhal is hot throughout, serve with a dollop of yogurt on top, pitta or brown rice.