Indian Feast

The new camera has been bought, and new food has been made! Tonight we went for an Indian feast: Tandoori Tofu, Dhal (Lentils), Cauliflower and Potato Curry, and Rice. It was really, really good--so good, in fact, that Son #1 actually complimented me on the meal. Wow. Since we will be eating this tomorrow as well, I will post some recipes today, and the others tomorrow.

For the Dhal:

This recipe is awesome and pretty easy to make. It is nourishing and tasty. If you love Indian food, the you will love this dish. I double the recipe so there are lots of leftovers.

INGREDIENTS:

- 3/4 cup red lentils (the small ones--they cook in 15-20 mins)

- 1 1/2 cup water

- 1 tsp tumeric

- 1 large sliced onion

- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

- 1 large tomato, chopped

- 4 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1/2 tsp cumin (or more, if you like)

- 1/2 tsp coriander (or more, of you like)

- 1 garlic clove, chopped

- 6 curry leaves, crushed

METHOD:

1. Put lentils, water, tumeric, and onion in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer (with the lid on) until lentils are soft. When the lentils are done, they will break apart when you stir them, making a thick(ish) paste.

2. Add the salt and tomatoes and simmer until heated through.

3. Heat oil in a small saucepan, and fry garlic until golden. Add spices and stir into lentil mixure. Serve.

A Note on Rice: I am not going to post a recipe for rice here, but just wanted to say that basamti rice is essential for Indian food. It is wonderfully fluffy, never sticks, and has a great flavour.