Dahl (lentils)

When I go out for Indian food I always order Dahl. Dahl, which is made from lentils, it's like refried beans to Indians. It is so filling and so good for you! This recipe is an accumulation of ideas I got offline and my own preferences. Different lentils will have a different texture when cooked. Some will fall apart while others like the one above will stay more intact. You can also play around with the spices you use making this nothing like an Indian dish. 

Ingredients

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped brown onion

2 cups lentils

1 tbs yellow curry

1 tbs ground cumin

Salt and pepper

vegetable stock optional

1 jalapeno or red pepper flakes

1 crushed garlic clove

In a large sauce pan sauté the vegetables, garlic, and spices in olive oil until the vegetables are soft. Next add the in the lentils and add enough water or vegetable stock to cover the lentils. I used a mixture of both because stock can be very salty however, if you only use water you may need to add more spices or salt. Also add the red pepper flakes or jalapeno to how hot you would like it. I normally cut a slit on each side of the jalapeno and through it in whole. When the lentils are done you can fish it out. If you want it hotter you can chop the jalapeno and throw it right it. Bring the lentils to a boil and cover and let simmer until the lentils are soft. If you forget about it, like I usually do, and all of your liquid evaporates just add more water or stock. You may have to do this a few times. When they are almost done add the salt a pepper. I have found that if I add salt before all the juices have come together I eat up having to add a lot of unnecessary salt. Serve hot in a bowl with naan bread (trader joes has some in the freezer section) or pita bread, I like to cook it on the stove top first, and basmati rice.