Mung Dahl

  • 1 1/2 cup(s) dahl, mung, split
  • 2 garlic clove(s)
  • 2 slice(s) ginger; grated, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon(s) cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon(s) tumeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon(s) cayenne pepper; optional
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoon(s) ghee
  • 1 pinch(es) asafetida
  • 1 teaspoon(s) cumin seeds; whole
  • lemon(s); cut into wedges

Clean and wash dahl. Place in a heavy pot. Add 5 cups water and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and remove froth. Add garlic, ginger, cilantro, turmeric and cayenne. Cover, leaving lid slightly ajar, cook for 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally.

When cooked, add salt and lemon juice.

In a skillet, heat ghee until hot. Add asafetida and a few seconds later, add the cumin. When the cumin seeds darken, remove from heat and add to the cooked dahl, serve.

Contributor: Madhur Jaffrey, "An Invitation to Indian Cooking"

Yield: 6 servings