Red Lentil Dal with Charred Onions
 
 
Red lentil dal is a traditional Indian comfort food that gets added texture and flavor here from smoky charred onions.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, cut into ¼-inch thick slices
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • ½ tsp coriander seeds
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 small dried hot red chile pepper
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup dried red lentils
  • 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
  1. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp oil to the pan and swirl it to coat. Add onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes or until charred. Carefully turn over the onion and cook 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Coarsely chop and set aside.
  2. Combine the mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook for 1½ minutes or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat. Place these seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and the chile in a spice or coffee grinder and pulse until ground.
  3. Heat a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 tsp oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Add the ginger and garlic to the pot and saute 1 minute. Stir in the spice mixture and saute 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add the broth, lentils, and tomatoes to the pan. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and add onion. Cook 10 minutes more. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice.
Notes
Adapted from Cooking Light The New Way to Cook Light: Fresh Food & Bold Flavors for Today's Home Cook
Nutrition Information
Serving size: ¼ of recipe
Recipe by Joanne Eats Well With Others at https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com/2013/02/recipe-red-lentil-dal-with-charred-onions.html