Priya Krishna's Most Basic Dal
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Priya Krishna's Most Basic Dal
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In the food pyramid of North Indian cuisine, dal sits at the base. Vibrantly spiced with turmeric, cumin, chile, and other traditional Indian spices (together known as chhonk), this lentil-based stew is a staple at any North Indian dinner table.
Priya's secret? "Make and add the chhonk just before you eat to ensure you'll taste the strongest ka-pow of spices and richness." This recipe was adapted from Priya's cookbook, Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.
The Anyhand Mitts
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (50g) masoor dal (orange lentils)
- 1½ cups (360ml) water
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 dried chiles
- ½ pinch red chili powder
- ¼ cup (.15oz) chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ pinch asafetida (optional)
Preparation
- Place the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt into the Anyday dish.
- Cook uncovered in the microwave for 17-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully evaporated and the lentils are soft but not mushy.
- Let the lentils rest with the lid on for 2 minutes. Then, stir in the lime juice and set aside.
- While the lentils rest, place the ghee and cumin seeds in another Anyday dish or other microwave-safe glass bowl. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the seeds brown and sputter a bit.
- Stir in the dried chiles, red chili powder, and asafetida if using.
- Add the cumin seasoning to the cooked lentils and mix until fully incorporated.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Serve it over rice of enjoy as a garnish for other dishes.
Recipe notes
- Find out more about Priya at priyakrishna.me
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
