Jan’s Dal (as promised)

Jan’s Dal

1 1/2 cup lentils - red or yellow work fine

4 cups water

2 dried chiles, whole

2 tbs. veg oil or ghee

1/4 tsp. turmeric

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

1 cup chopped onions

1 whole lemon, juice only

1 tsp. peeled grated ginger root

2 tsp. garam masala

salt to taste

1 cup chopped tomato

Wash lentils.  Cover with water and add chiles, turmeric and salt.  Boil, then reduce and simmer for 30 minutes.  Add water as needed.

Heat oil in a pan and cook cumin seeds for 15 secs.  Stir in onions and ginger and cook for 10 minutes.

Add onion mixture, garam masala, lemon juice and salt to lentils.  Add tomatoes and/or 1 cup spinach as well.  Simmer about 10 more minutes.