Masoor Dhal.
Ingredients.
4 tablespoons of oil.
6 cloves.
6 cardamom pods.
2.5cm / 1 inch piece of cinnamon stick.
1 onion, chopped.
2.5cm /1 inch piece of ginger root, peeled and chopped.
1 green chilli, finely chopped.
1 garlic clove, chopped.
1/2 a teaspoon of garam masala.
225g / 8oz of masoor dhal or orange lentils.
Salt.
Juice of 1 lemon.
Method.
1. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon and fry until they start to swell.
2. Add the onion and fry until softened. Add the ginger, chilli, garlic and garam masala and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, stir thoroughly and fry for about 1 minute. Add salt to taste and enough water to come about 3cm / 1 1/2 inches above the lentils, bring to the boil, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until really thick and tender.
4. Sprinkle with the lemon juice, stir and serve at once.
Serves 4.
