Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 1/2 cups masoor dal or split red lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt ((or to taste))
  • 1/8 teaspoon canola or grapeseed oil ((or canola oil spray)*)
  • 1 tablespoon panch phoran
  • 1 large onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste ((or 1 tsp. minced ginger))
  • 16 ounces diced tomatoes ((or 1 can))
  • 1 head cauliflower (cut into small florets)
  • 1/2 cup water

Instruction

  • Pick over and rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with 4 cups of water and turmeric. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the dal is tender, about 20 to 35 minutes. (Or place in Instant Pot or pressure cooker and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes; allow pressure to come down naturally for at least 15 minutes before quick release.) When done, add salt and set aside.
  • While the dal is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Heat a large, deep skillet, preferably non-stick. When hot, add the oil and shake it to spread it around. Add the panch phoran and stir. (You may instead use oil spray; spray before and after adding the panch phoran.) When the first seed pops, immediately add the onion, garlic, pepper flakes, and ginger paste. Stir and cook until the onion softens, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cauliflower, and 1/2 cup water, and stir. Cover and cook until the cauliflower is just tender, about 10 minutes.
  • When the dal and cauliflower are both done, add the dal to the cauliflower mixture. Stir well, and check seasoning, adding more salt if needed. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve hot, over rice if desired.