Red Lentil Dal

The absolute most comforting and satisfying of healthy meals I can think of is a bowl of warm, thick, creamy Dal. It also happens to be vegan. This is one of my favorite weeknight meals to whip up in a hurry that gets even better the next day. Serve with fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sliced red chili for an extra pretty presentation.

Ingredients

  • 3 TB olive oil

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp fennel seeds

  • 1 tsp ground turmeric

  • 1 yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced

  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped

  • 2 TB finely chopped fresh ginger

  • 1-2 small fresh red chiles, thinly sliced

  • 1 quart low-sodium vegetable broth

  • 1, 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk

  • 1, 14-ounce can low-fat coconut milk

  • 2 cups red lentils

  • 2 TB chopped cilantro stems, plus chopped leaves for garnish

  • 1/2 pound kale, stemmed and leaves coarsely chopped (@4 cups)

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving

  • Sea salt

  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper


    Instructions:

    1- In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the cumin & fennel seeds and turmeric and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 6 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger and half of the sliced chiles and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

    2- Add the vegetable stock, coconut milks, red lentils and cilantro stems to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add the kale and cook until tender, about 5 minutes more. Stir in the lemon juice and season with plenty of salt (1TB or so) and pepper.

    3- Spoon the dal into bowls. Top with the remaining sliced chiles. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

    Make Ahead- The dal can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding more water if necessary to help thin it out to desired consistency.

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Classic Chocolate Pudding