Split Black Lentil Dal

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (610 mL) urad dal (black lentils), rinsed and drained
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) vegetable oil
• 3 onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) garlic, ground
• [AMOUNT to match 5 pods] cardamom powder
• 1 cinnamon stick, 1 inch (2.5 cm)
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) chili powder
• [AMOUNT to match flavor of 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger) ginger powder
• 3 green chilies, seeded

Directions

1. Place lentils in a bowl and cover in water. Leave to soak for half an hour.
2. Drain the lentils and place in a heavy bottomed pot.
3. Cover in water and bring to a boil.
4. Season with salt and cook for 20 minutes or until most of the water is evaporated.
5. Heat oil in a skillet.
6. Place onion and garlic in skillet and cook over medium heat until soft and browned.
7. Remove half of the onion mixture and place in a bowl and set aside for use later.
8. To the remaining onion mixture, add cardamom powder, cinnamon and clove.
9. Add cumin, chili powder, ginger and green chilis and cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
10. Add cooked dal and gently mix together.
11. Add water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
12. Garnish with reserved onion mixture and serve warm.