Punjabi Style Split Pigeon Peas Recipes

TOOR DAL (SPLIT YELLOW PIGEON PEAS)

Steps:

• Prepare the dal: Soak the pigeon peas in a large bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. (They will have swelled a little.) Thoroughly rinse the soaked pigeon peas with fresh water, then tip the drained pigeon peas into a pot.
• Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt and 5 cups water, and bring to a boil over high. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to purée some of the dal, leaving some intact and getting some very smooth, or whisk vigorously to break up some of the soft dal. Stir in the peanuts and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the dal is very tender, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt. If the dal has become too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of water.
• Prepare the tempering: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the ghee. When hot, carefully add all of the tempering ingredients (the mustard seeds will sputter!) and swirl the pan until you can smell all the toasted spices, about 30 seconds. Pour everything over the hot dal.

PUNJABI GREEN MUNG BEANS WITH SIZZLING GINGER

Steps:

• 1. Place the dal, water, ginger slices, minced or ground ginger, green chili peppers, salt, turmeric, and red pepper flakes in a pressure cooker. Secure the lid and cook over high heat until the regulator indicated high pressure, then cook 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat and allow the pot to depressurize on its own, 12 to 15 minutes. Carefully open the lid and stir the dal it should be very soft and creamy. If not, simmer over medium heat until done. Remove to a serving dish, cover, and keep warm.2. Heat the oil in a small nonstick saucepan over medium heat and cook the ginger matchsticks until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin seeds they should sizzle upon contact with the hot oil. Quickly add the onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.3. Stir in the coriander, cumin, and paprika, then transfer to the dal and swirl lightly, with bits visible as a garnish. Sprinkle the garam masala on top and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PUNJABI BLACK URAD BEANS

Steps:

• 1. Soak the dals and beans overnight, in water to cover by at least 2 inches. Drain and place in a large cast-iron or other heavy saucepan. Add 6 cups water and all the remaining ingredients (except the mint, butter, and garam masala), cover the pan and boil over high heat, about 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until the dal is very soft, thick, and creamy, about 3 to 4 hours, adding 2 cups or more water as needed. Add the mint leaves and the butter and cook another 30 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle the garam masala on top, and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PUNJABI-STYLE SPLIT PIGEON PEAS

Steps:

• 1. Place the dal in a large saucepan and add water, salt, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan (partially at first, then completely), and cook, stirring occasionally, until the dal is cream, 35 to 40 minutes. As the dal cooks, some of it may foam and rise to the top. Stir the foam back into the dal. Mix in the lime juice and transfer to a serving dish. Cover and keep warm.2. Heat the oil in a small saucepan and cook the onion, curry leaves and green chili pepper, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the cumin seeds and ginger and stir about 1 minute. Add the coriander, ground cumin, and paprika and stir about 1 minute, then transfer to the dal and swirl lightly to mix, with parts of it visible as a garnish. Top with the cilantro and serve.From "1,000 Indian Recipes." Copyright 2002 by Neelam Batra. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.