Coconut Dal Recipes

COCONUT DAL

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except for cilantro in saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Simmer uncovered about 30 minutes, or until peas are tender and it begins to thicken.
• Serve over brown rice and garnish with cilantro.

ONE-PAN COCONUT DHAL

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear, then drain. Heat the oil in a large, shallow pan and cook the onions over a low heat for 10 mins until starting to brown, adding more oil if the pan looks dry. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds. Scatter in the curry leaves, if using, and all the spices and cook for a few minutes more, then stir in the tomato purée and cook for a minute longer.
• Stir in the lentils, ensuring they're well coated in the spices, then pour over the coconut milk and 850ml water. Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally, then simmer for about 30 mins until the lentils are soft and soupy. Scoop out the whole chilli and discard, then season generously with salt. The dhal can now be left to cool, then frozen in portions, or as one batch in a large plastic container. Defrost completely before reheating in a pan over a low heat, adding more water to loosen if needed.
• Serve with a sprinkling of the coriander, sliced ginger and chilli, and drizzle with a bit more oil.

SRI LANKAN DAL WITH COCONUT AND LIME KALE

Steps:

• Wash the lentils in a strainer in cold water until the water runs clear, then place in a medium bowl, cover with water and set aside. Bash the cardamom pods with the side of a knife so they crack open.
• Put 2 tablespoons of the coconut oil into a large pot over medium heat. When hot, add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and cloves. Fry for a minute, then add the onions. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are browning and soft. Add the garlic, ginger and green chiles and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove a third of the mixture from the pot and set aside. (Leave the cinnamon stick behind.)
• Drain the lentils and add to the pot, along with the turmeric and 4 1/4 cups of hot water. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Once they are boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and creamy.
• While the lentils are simmering, chop the kale into thin strips and discard the thicker stems. Put the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil into a lidded frying pan (keep the lid off for now) over medium heat and, when hot, add the mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to pop, add the reserved onion mixture and fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the kale, shredded coconut and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Stir-fry for 1 minute, add 1/4 cup of hot water and put the lid on to steam the kale for 2 minutes, or until soft and tender. Add the lime juice and stir.
• When the lentils are soft and creamy, add the coconut milk and remaining salt and simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove from the heat, and pick out and discard the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick. To serve, ladle into bowls and divide kale over the top. Serve with a side of yogurt and rice.

COCONUT CHANNA DAL

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils well in cold water, then drain.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based, preferably non-stick, saucepan and saute the onion and garlic with the curry leaves, chili and mustard seeds, until golden and fragrant.
• Add the drained lentils, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods, fenugreek, asafetida powder and coconut milk.
• Mix well, then add the water.
• Bring to the boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 40 minutes, or longer if necessary. Stir occasionally to ensure the dal does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
• You may choose to increase the cooking temperature, and/or partially uncover the dal towards the end of the cooking time, if you prefer your dal with less fluid (as I do), rather than 'soupy'.
• When the dal is soft, season to taste with sea salt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with curry dishes and rice or parathas.

COCONUT-APPLE-GINGER DAL

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Cook cayenne, cumin, and turmeric, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add apple and lentils and stir to coat. Stir in coconut milk and 2 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until lentils are completely soft and dal is thick, 20-25 minutes. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
• Divide dal among bowls and top with yogurt, cilantro, and coconut flakes; season with more pepper.

CREAMY COCONUT DAL

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, on a medium flame, add the olive oil and heat it up for a minute.
• Throw in the mustard and cumin seeds, let them pop but be careful not to burn them.
• Add the onions. Saute them for 3.min.
• Turn the flame down and add the garlic, ginger, chili and cardamon pods. Add in the liquid of the lentils and let it simmer till it thickens a little.
• Add the coconut cream and stir it in nicely. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then add in the lentils, some salt and pepper and you let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Serve and enjoy!