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–+ servings

South Indian-Style Dal

5 from 2 votes
The flavors of Indian food are very diverse -- in North India families use a lot of dairy, wheat, and cumin seeds, whereas in South India (which is more coastal) food is often flavored with coconut milk, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. This one-pot dal is absolutely bursting with South Indian flavors like curry leaves, mustard seeds, and coconut milk. My family enjoys eating it with some steamed basmati rice.  
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 jalapeno, (de-seeded, finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, (finely chopped, save some for garnish)
  • 6 leaves curry
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, (finely chopped)
  • 1 tomato, (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 3 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Salt and pepper, (to taste)
  • 1 lemon, (juice)

Instructions

  • Place a large pot over medium heat. 
  • Add olive oil, onions, ginger, and jalapenos. 
  • Add a couple of pinches of salt then cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are fully cooked.
  • Add curry leaves and mustard seeds. 
  • When mustard seeds start to pop, add the rest of the spices and garlic, then cook until fragrant. 
  • Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Add lentils, stock, and coconut milk, and when bubbling starts reduce heat to low.
  • Let dal bubble away until lentils collapse and dal becomes creamy (about 20 minutes). 
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary, then add a squeeze of lemon.
  • Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with rice and naan.

BON APPÉTIT!