Kaali
Daal (Creamy Black Lentils)
Serves 6 to 8
1 ½ cups (12 ounces) whole black lentils, soaked 6 to 24
hours
½ cup (4 ounces) split red lentils, rinsed
Water
1 cup heavy cream
7 to 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt, preferably Fage Total
2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons ghee, vegetable oil, or butter, or a
combination, divided
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
6 to 8 serrano or jalapeño peppers, seeded, pithed, and
diced
5-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated with microplane
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon or more salt, divided
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
Cilantro leaves for garnish
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for garnish
1. Drain
the black lentils and place in heavy 5-quart pan with the rinsed red lentils.
Add water to pan until it is about 1 inch above lentils.
2. Bring to
a boil. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer until lentils are tender,
approximately 1½ hours. Check occasionally to make sure the pot is simmering.
If water seems low, add a cup of water.
3.
Meanwhile, in medium-sized bowl, mix together cream, yogurt, and cornstarch.
Set aside.
4. In small
frying pan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon ghee over medium-high heat. Add cumin
seeds and stir until fragrant but not burnt. Set aside.
5. When
lentils are done, drain some of the cooking water, leaving about a cup. The
lentils then may be mashed, partially mashed, or neither. Set lentils aside to
cool.
6. Heat
three tablespoons of ghee in wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Sauté onion, garlic, tomatoes, chilies, and ginger until onion is soft.
7. To
onions, add turmeric, chili powder, ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt, and cook
over medium heat 2 minutes.
8. When
lentils have cooled to close to room temperature, stir in toasted cumin seeds.
9. Stir in cream mixture until well-combined
10. Stir in
sautéed onion mixture.
11. Stir in
2 teaspoons or more salt to taste.
12. Warm
daal over medium heat without allowing it to boil.
13. Serve
in bowls and, if desired, place a dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top and a
few cilantro leaves.
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