Masoor Dhal/ Masala Dhal

 As lentils are the main source of proteins for vegans and vegetarians, it is important that we explore the variety of lentils to satiate the palate of the vegetarian connoisseurs. I have experimented with masoor dhal recently and was impressed with the outcome :)

Ingredients:

1 cup of Masoor dhal
1 onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 green chilly

1 tbsp of oil
coriander as garnish

salt as required

Seasoning:

1/2 inch- stick of cinnamon

2 pieces of bay leaf

2 cloves

Grinding:

1 large chopped tomato
1/8 tsp of turmeric
1/2 tsp of red chilly powder
1/2 tbsp of coriander powder
1 tbsp of cashew nuts

1 tsp of cumin seeds

Preparation:

1. Grind the ingredients mentioned above together. Slice the onion and garlic lengthwise.
2. In the preheated pan add oil. Add the seasoning, as the nice aroma comes add onion and garlic.
3.Saute for a minute and add the ground mixture. Saute well till the tomato paste starts to thicken and the raw smell disappears.

4.Add masoor dhal, salt and 3 cups of water. Close the lid and pressure cook up to 3 whistles.

5.Add coriander as garnish. Serve with rice/ roti.

Whole moong dhal curry/Moong dhal

  Vegetarians rely highly on lentils and legumes for their protein needs. When soaked overnight, several beneficial nutrients and enzymes gets activated. This recipe was well received by my kids and I am happy to share it with you today.

Ingredients:

1 cup of whole moong beans/ pacchai payiru

1 chopped onion
1/4 tsp of turmeric 
1 tsp of red chilly powder(~ spice level)

3-4 crushed cloves of garlic

2 dried red chilly 
pinch of asafoetida

1 tsp of cumin seeds 
1 stick of cinnamon 
1 star anise
2 cloves

1 tbsp of  butter
1/2 tbsp of oil

salt as required

Preparation:

1. Soak moong beans overnight. 
2. Add cumin seeds, star anise, cloves, cinnamon  to the preheated oil in the pan 
3. Saute onion, garlic, red chillies and pinch of asafoetida. 

4. Add salt,turmeric, red chilly powder to the pan and saute for 2 minutes. Add the soaked dhal and pressure cook them. 

5. Add the butter and serve with rice/ roti.