Lentil Dahl

I love Dahl because it's nutritious and very versatile, using many different flavours to truly make a delicious dish.

Here I am using yellow lentils (also called mung dahl) however you can use any lentils you like, although if you choose a darker, green/black lentil, this will of course change the colour of your Dahl dish.

Serves 6

Ingredients

2 cups yellow lentils (soaked overnight, rinsed and drained)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 red chilli, deseeded
1 inch fresh ginger, skin removed and grated
1 inch fresh turmeric, skin removed and grated (you may wan to wear gloves as fresh ginger does stain the fingers/hands as well as your chopping board so consider using a ceramic plate to cut and grate onto)
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp garam masala (optional)
1/4 cup fresh coriander, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 medium vine tomatoes, roughly chopped (optional)
3 cups cold water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 small can coconut milk (160ml)
1 tsp truffle oil

Method

1. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add 1 tbsp of coconut cream (removed from the top of your coconut milk can) and the truffle oil followed by adding the chilli, ginger, turmeric, cumin & garam masala. Saute for a minute

2. Add the tomatoes and mix for a minute

3. Add the lentils and mix

4. Add water and the rest of the coconut milk and bring to boil

5. Once the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down, cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the liquid has evaporated (you may need to add a little more water). Mix regularly so lentils do not stick to bottom of pan.

6. Now add the salt & lemon juice and mix

7. Finally add the fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt into the mix for a couple of minutes before serving

8. Top with garnish of fresh coriander and a spoonful of coconut yoghurt

9. Serve with some roasted/boiled potatoes, sourdough toast, chapati or rice and a nice fresh salad

Optional Extras:
- I love beans so use soya or broad beans as an addition to this dish.  If you choose to use this, add 1/2 cup of beans (fresh or frozen) to the mix when you add the lentils.
- To add a more curry flavour to this Dahl, add 1-2 tsp of mixed curry powder