Chana Dal Curry (Yellow Lentil Curry)
Buy these ingredients at a local Indian store and you will save quite a bit.
1 cup chana dal (yellow lentils – look for them in the bulk section of your supermarket), washed and soaked for 1 hour
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
1/4 onion
3 Tablespoons oil
1 Serrano or Thai chili, diced very fine
Mixture of the following spices:
- 2 Tablespoons curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon or more salt
Cook chana dal in 2 cups of water till tender – 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside.
Heat oil in pan and saute onion till transparent. Add ginger, garlic and chili. Cook an additional minute. Add the spice mixture and saute together for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water. Bring to a boil and add cooked dal, including any left over liquid. Cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened and add coconut milk. Simmer to desired consistency. Serve over steamed rice or cous cous.
