Dhal With Griddled Sweet Potato

Broth

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/dhal-with-griddled-sweet-potato • Posted by Creative Publishing international

When it’s a cold night or you’re in need of real comfort food, a bowl of steaming dhal never fails to warm you up. In India, dhal is not just lentils and the name encompasses all manner of pulses, dried beans and peas. The combination of lentils and sweet potatoes, make this a great sustaining dish. And, what’s more, it’s inexpensive to cook and tastes delicious. SERVES 4

You will need

2 tbsp sunflower or Groundnut Oil 2 Garlic Cloves , crushed 1 tsp Grated fresh root Ginger 1 Red Chilli , deseeded and finely diced 1 tsp Black Mustard Seeds 1 tsp Ground Turmeric 1 tsp Garam Masala 250 g Split red Lentils 500 ml Vegetable top and tail Broth 1 x 400 ml/14 fl oz can Coconut Milk 4 Ripe Tomatoes , roughly chopped 1 Large Sweet Potato , cut into thin wedges (skin left on) 100 g Baby Spinach leaves Juice of 1 Lime Naan bread or chapatis, to serve
For the spicy onion topping:
2 tbsp sunflower or Groundnut Oil 1 Large Onion , thinly sliced 1 tsp Cumin Seeds 1 Red Chilli , deseeded and cut into thin shreds 8 Fresh Curry Leaves

Project Budget

Time

Difficulty

Description

When it’s a cold night or you’re in need of real comfort food, a bowl of steaming dhal never fails to warm you up. In India, dhal is not just lentils and the name encompasses all manner of pulses, dried beans and peas. The combination of lentils and sweet potatoes, make this a great sustaining dish. And, what’s more, it’s inexpensive to cook and tastes delicious. SERVES 4

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy pan and cook the garlic, ginger and chilli over a low to medium heat for 2 minutes without colouring.

2. Stir in the mustard seeds and ground spices and when the mustard seeds start to pop, add the lentils, vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes until the dhal is thick and creamy in texture. If it’s still a bit liquid, cook for a little longer; if it’s too thick, add some more broth.

3. Make the spicy onion topping. Heat the oil in a shallow pan and cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it starts to caramelize and turn golden brown. Add the cumin seeds, chilli and curry leaves and cook for 2 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. When the dhal is nearly ready, put the sweet potato with the remaining oil and some salt and pepper in a bowl and toss gently together. Heat a griddle pan until it’s really hot and cook the sweet potato for 2–3 minutes each side until tender and slightly charred.

5. Stir the spinach leaves, lime juice and sweet potato into the dhal and season with salt and pepper. Spoon into 4 bowls and top each with a spoonful of the spicy onion mixture. Serve with warm naan or chapatis.