Red Split Lentils With Cumin Seeds-Masoor Dal

Here I have Red Split Lentils with Cumin Seeds recipe. The split peas are salmon colored; but, will turn yellow when cooked. So, don’t be surprised when you view the pictures. Anyway, serve the lentils with any rice dish, meat, or as a dip with some Naan bread. Just fantastic. Try making your own Naan at home, the recipe is over here.




Recipe adapted from Mahdur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking

Red Split Lentils With Cumin Seeds-Masoor Dal

Ingredients

200 g (7 oz) Red Split Lentils, picked over, washed and drained
1 liter (1 ¾ pints) Water
2 Thin Slices Unpeeled Ginger
½ tsp Ground Turmeric
1 tsp Sea Salt, or to taste
3 Tbsp Ghee or Vegetable Oil
Pinch of Ground Asafetida (Optional)
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Ground Coriander
¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper
2 Tbsp Finely Chopped, Fresh Coriander

Method

Combine the lentils and water in a heavy pan. Bring to a simmer. Remove any scum that collects at the top.

Add the ginger and turmeric. Stir to mix. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, turn the heat to low and simmer gently for 1 ½ hours or until the lentils is tender. Stir every 5 minutes during the last 30 minutes to prevent sticking.

Add the sea salt and stir to mix. Remove the ginger slices.

Put the ghee in a small frying pan and set over medium heat. When hot, put in the asafetida. A second later, put in the cumin seeds. Let the seeds sizzle for a few seconds. Then put in the coriander and cayenne. Stir once and then quickly pour the ghee mixture into the pan with the lentils. Stir to mix.

Sprinkle the fresh coriander over the top when you serve.

Serves 4-6