Dhal is a great source of protein and is usually served as part of a meal in an Indian household.  This is also great on its own with naan bread…..

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils

750ml water

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp salt

25g ghee or unsalted butter

1-2 medium onions, sliced or diced

3-4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

fresh chilli or chilli powder, optional

coriander to garnish

Directions

Put the dhal, water, turmeric, cumin and salt into a saucepan and bring to the boil. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes on medium, stirring frequently. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 -30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meantime melt the butter or ghee over a medium heat and fry onion until well browned.  This takes about 20 minutes.  Towards the end of the cooking time add the garlic (and chilli if using). Stir half of the fried onion mixture into the dhal and arrange the rest on top.  Garnish with fresh coriander and serve. This freezes really well and I usually make a double batch!