Creamy Lentil And Split Pea Dhal Recipes

TODDLER RECIPE: MILD SPLIT PEA & SPINACH DHAL

Steps:

• Soak the yellow split peas in a bowl of water for 20 mins. Rinse thoroughly in a few changes of water.
• Heat the oil in a large heavy-based saucepan. Cook the onion for 5-10 mins, stirring from time to time until softened and starting to caramelise. Add the garlic and spices and cook for a further 1-2 mins allowing the aromas to release.
• Pulse the cashews in a food processor into fine pieces - make sure you do this well so that there is no risk of choking. Add the split peas and cashews to the pan, then pour in enough water to cover it by a few cms. Crumble in the veg stock cube. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 1hr or until the split peas are tender, stirring from time to time. If they start to look a little dry, add in more water as needed during the cooking. Stir through the frozen chopped spinach and once the dhal is hot throughout, serve with a dollop of yogurt on top, pitta or brown rice.

CREAMY LENTIL AND SPLIT-PEA DHAL

Steps:

• Place lentils and split-peas in a bowl and add cold water to cover. Set aside for 30 minutes. Drain.
• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the lentils, split-peas, tumeric and chillies. Boil uncovered until the lentils and split-peas are tender (about 30 minutes). Drain, place in a bowl and mash coarsely. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat and add the mustard seeds. Cook until they crackle (about 30 seconds). Stir in the cumin seeds and cook until aromatic (about 30 seconds). Stir in garam masala and ground coriander.
• Stir in the mashed lentils and peas, water, cream and tomato. Season with salt and bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, stirring often for 4 minutes. Adjust the seasoning, stir in the fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

LENTIL OR SPLIT PEA DAL WITH GARLIC BUTTER

Steps:

• Pick over, clean, and rinse the split peas.
• Place them in a deep pot, add the water, turmeric, and salt, and bring to a boil. Boil the peas gently, partially covered, until they are very soft, about 45 minutes, checking and stirring occasionally to ensure they do not stick to bottom of the pan.
• Turn off the heat and beat the split peas with a wire whisk or wooden spoon for a minute or until they look thick and creamy.
• You should have 5 cups of puree; if not, add additional water.
• Return the puree to the pot, add black pepper, and heat until boiling.
• Turn off the heat and fold in the chopped coriander; keep the dal covered.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds.
• When the seeds turn several shades darker, add the garlic and optional red peppers. Cook until the garlic is browned and the oil is infused with its flavor.
• Pour the oil-garlic mixture onto the dal. Mix well.
• Taste for pepper and salt.
• Serve spooned into small bowls.