Spicy Indian Chana Dal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound chana dal
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped ginger
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 dried chiles
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp coriander
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
Preparation
Soak 1 lb chana dal 1-3 hours, then rinse and drain. Put in a large pot with water about three inches above bean level and bring to a boil with 1 tsp garam masala and 2 tsp turmeric. Boil until soft around 30 minutes.
In a skillet heat 1 tbsp olive oil and saute garlic, ginger and onion until browning.
Move aromatics to one side to make room and add 1 tbsp more oil to the hot pan to temper spices. Add cumin seed, black mustard seeds and chili flakes and cook 2 minutes until you can smell all spices toasting and then stir into aromatic mixture.
Add then add tomato paste and cook for 5 mins, stirring often to caramelize then set aside off heat until chana dal are soft.
When dal are soft and you can squish one between your fingers, add spiced skillet contents, coriander, smoked paprika and chiles, then stir well, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 15 mins until thick. Finish with cilantro.
Garnish with more cilantro, black pepper and chili flakes. Eat with rice and vegetables.
