Masala Dal, Garlicky Spiced Lentils Recipe | Food

Date Published:: 30/11/2007

This Indian recipe for Masala dal (garlicky spiced lentils if you didn't know!) is not only quick and easy to make but will please vegetarians too.

Serves 4-6
Ready in 35 minutes

Ingredients

200g yellow and red lentils (or all red)
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2cm piece of fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, chopped
6 fresh or dried curry leaves (Waitrose stocks the dried variety)
1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 tsp Patak's Garam Masala Paste
200g can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Method: How to make masala dal, garlicky spiced lentils

1. Pour 600ml boiling water into a saucepan. Add the lentils and turmeric. Simmer, partially covered, for 15-20 minutes until they have softened and absorbed most of the water. Add more water if necessary. Remove from the heat.

2. In another saucepan, heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the mustard and cumin seeds. When they begin to crackle, add the ginger, garlic, curry leaves and chilli. Fry for 1 minute, then add the garam masala paste and tomatoes. Fry for a few more minutes, then spoon into the lentils. Season with salt, to taste.

3. Bring to the boil, then stir in the coriander and lemon juice. Serve hot with the Murgh Tikka Makhani (Indian spiced chicken).