Coconut Channa Dal
Posted in response to a request. Channa dal, also called Bengal gram dal, is related to chickpeas, but is smaller and split. It has a sweet, nutty flavour, and a low glycemic index. Looking just like yellow split peas, it is the most popular dal in India. This recipe produces a mild-tasting dal, which goes beautifully with Lemon Rice with Dals #84304. Please only use fresh or frozen curry leaves, not dried :-)
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INGREDIENTS
Nutrition- 1 1⁄2cups channa dal
- 2tablespoons peanut oil
- 1
- 4
- 10 -12fresh curry leaves
- 1 -2dried red chili
- 1teaspoon brown mustard seeds
- 1teaspoon turmeric
- 1inch piece cinnamon stick
- 3
- 2
- 1teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1pinch asafoetida powder
- 1(14 ounce) can coconut milk
- 2 1⁄2cups water
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DIRECTIONS
- Rinse the lentils well in cold water, then drain.
- Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based, preferably non-stick, saucepan and saute the onion and garlic with the curry leaves, chili and mustard seeds, until golden and fragrant.
- Add the drained lentils, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods, fenugreek, asafetida powder and coconut milk.
- Mix well, then add the water.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 40 minutes, or longer if necessary. Stir occasionally to ensure the dal does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- You may choose to increase the cooking temperature, and/or partially uncover the dal towards the end of the cooking time, if you prefer your dal with less fluid (as I do), rather than 'soupy'.
- When the dal is soft, season to taste with sea salt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with curry dishes and rice or parathas.
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