How to Make Daal (Indian Vegetarian Recipe)

This recipe is great for vegetarian and non vegetarian alike. As non Indian, one should be able to enjoy this recipe as well.

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Here is how to make it. Ingredients list is more and upfront cost of spices might be high for starting out. However if you make it a few times, it will be cheaper then eating out at gourmet Indian restaurant in a couple of times.

Ingredients

1. • • 3 cups Daal (split dried beans – like lentils) : http://amzn.to/2AWRQ37

1. • • 2 large onions – roughly chopped

1. • • 2 tomatoes – roughly chopped

1. • • green chili pepper 2 seeded and chopped

1. • • 2teaspoons salt  per taste

1. • • 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper

1. • • 1.5 teaspoon turmeric: http://amzn.to/2is7try

1. • • 1 pinch of saffron strands: http://amzn.to/2iqAc00 

1. • • 2 teaspoons garam masala http://amzn.to/2zQ3qz1

1. • • 1 tablespoon red chili powder : http://amzn.to/2zQ56Zr

1. • • 2 teaspoons ground coriander http://amzn.to/2AYhXXu

1. • • 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin: http://amzn.to/2zQ5Pd7

1. • • 2 tablespoons garlic/ginger paste: http://amzn.to/2ySLmAS

1. • • 1.5 cup tomato puree

1. • • 2 stick butter  (optional for vegan add oil )

1. • • finely chopped cilantro for Garnish

 Direction:

1. 1. In a large pot add the Daal lentil  and  6 cups water. Completely submerge your lentils with only about 1/2 inch of water covering.  You can pre soak lentil for 15 minutes if time allows.
   2. Turn on gas medium high and watch the lentil boiling, add water as needed. Take out white foams (if any forms) periodiclaly.
   3. Once soft and boiled, add all ingredients except cilantro and butter. Bring to boil and turn down gas to low to simmer.
   4.  Cook for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours – The goal is to get the Daal to soften completely. softer the daal, it will be good, Make sure to add water as needed and lentil does not stick to bottom of pan.
   5. Add water and seasoning when needed. add butter or oil.
   6. Simmer for another ten minutes and stir. Turn off heat. stir in finely chopped cilantro
   7. Serve it with fresh basmati rice, Naan or crusty bread. and enjoy hot.