Gram Dal (Chickpea Dal)

• Ready In: 1 hr 53 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup chickpeas
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄4 cup ghee
• 1  pinch cumin seed
• 1  pinch asafoetida powder
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons gingerroot, grated
• 1  bay leaf
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons fresh coconut, chopped
• 2 1⁄2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 1⁄4 cups green peas
• 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garam masala

Directions

1. Soak chickpeas for at least 2 hours, drain and rinse.
2. Bring to a boil in the water and add the salt and turmeric.
3. Boil hard for 5 minutes and remove any scum that forms on the surface.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until tender.
5. This will take about 1 hour, but it can take longer if your peas are old.
6. When tender, remove from the heat.
7. Heat ghee in a large pot.
8. Add cumin seeds, asafetida, ginger and bay leaf.
9. Fry for a few seconds, stirring as the spices cook.
10. Add the coconut, raisins and peas.
11. Cook over a medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12. Stir in the cooked chickpeas, followed by the rest of the ingredients.
13. Simmer for another 15 minutes and serve.