Red Split Lentils (Masoor Dal)

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Description

Indian-inspired lentils the whole family will love and babies, too. Once the dal and rice are at the desired consistency, it’s ready to eat or freeze. Make sure mixture is completely cool before freezing. I use freezer ice trays and small individual glass bowls with lids.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 4 ½ cups water, divided
  • 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
  • ½ cup finely chopped red onion (Optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (Optional)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne powder (Optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (Optional)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (Optional)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (Optional)
  • 1 tablespoon peeled, finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated

Instructions

  1. Rinse rice in several changes of water and transfer to a container. Cover with water and let soak at room temperature
  2. 15 minutes to 1 hour. Drain.
  3. Combine 3 cups water with red lentils in a large pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer
  4. skimming any scum that collects on the surface. Stir in onion
  5. cumin
  6. coriander
  7. salt
  8. black pepper
  9. cayenne
  10. and turmeric. Reduce heat to low and simmer
  11. partially covered
  12. until lentils are tender
  13. about 30 minutes.
  14. Stir broccoli
  15. tomatoes
  16. peas
  17. and salt into the pot. Continue cooking
  18. stirring frequently
  19. until lentils are soft
  20. about 30 minutes more.
  21. Combine drained rice with remaining 1 1/2 cup water in another pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to very low and simmer
  22. covered with a tight-fitting lid
  23. until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
  24. about 20 minutes.
  25. Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms
  26. ginger
  27. and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant
  28. 3 to 5 minutes. Pour over lentils; stir to distribute. Cook lentils until flavors combine
  29. about 5 minutes. Serve lentils with rice.

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 38 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 18 mins

Servings: 6

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