Lentil Curry

Punjabi Lentil Curry Recipe with Cumin and Cardamom

Region / culture: Punjab | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Lentil curry, also known as dal, is a popular and nutritious dish in Indian cuisine. It is made with lentils, spices, and sometimes vegetables, and is typically served with rice or bread. This hearty and flavorful dish is a staple in many households and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

History

Lentil curry has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries. Lentils are a common ingredient in Indian cooking, and dal is a versatile dish that can be made in many different ways. It is believed that lentil curry originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to other parts of the world, becoming a popular vegetarian dish in many cultures.

Ingredients

2 medium-sized mugs of lentils (toor)
4 and 0.33 mugs of water
1 tsp of ground turmeric (haldi)
1 freshly chopped tomato
2 tsp of cumin
a few cardamom seeds

How to prepare

Place the lentils in a pressure cooker and thoroughly wash them with water.
Drain the water.
Add approximately four mugs of water to the lentils.
Add turmeric, cumin, tomato, and cardamom seeds.
Set the cooker on medium to high heat.
Wait until the pressure cooker gives two whistles, then remove from heat.
Allow the pressure to escape from the pressure cooker, open it, and stir.
The dahl should be very soft, but the lentils should still be slightly visible.
If using a regular pot, wait until the dahl thickens.
Serve hot with plain boiled rice or chapattis.

Variations

Add vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or potatoes to the lentil curry for extra nutrients and flavor.
Experiment with different spices such as garam masala, coriander, or chili powder to customize the flavor of the curry.
For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the lentil curry with a hand blender before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly wash the lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Adding a tomato to the lentil curry can help enhance the flavor and add a bit of acidity to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of water based on your desired consistency - more water will result in a thinner curry, while less water will make it thicker.

- For a richer flavor, you can also add some coconut milk or cream to the lentil curry.

Serving Suggestions

Lentil curry can be served with plain boiled rice, chapattis, or naan bread. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking the lentils is a quick and efficient way to prepare lentil curry, as it helps to soften the lentils and infuse them with the flavors of the spices. However, you can also cook the lentils in a regular pot on the stovetop, although this method may take longer.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have toor lentils, you can use other varieties such as masoor dal or moong dal. You can also substitute the spices with curry powder or a pre-made spice blend for convenience.

Make Ahead Tips

Lentil curry can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat the curry on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the lentil curry in a bowl or on a plate, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of coconut milk. You can also serve it in individual bowls with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Lentil curry pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as cucumber raita, mango chutney, or pickled vegetables. You can also serve it with a salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lentil curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the curry on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of lentil curry typically contains around 200-300 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Lentils are a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body throughout the day. One serving of lentil curry typically contains around 30-40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Lentils are low in fat, making lentil curry a healthy and nutritious dish. One serving of lentil curry usually contains less than 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Lentils are a rich source of plant-based protein, making lentil curry an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. One serving of lentil curry can provide around 15-20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lentils are packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and can help support your immune system and overall well-being.

Alergens

Lentil curry is a gluten-free and dairy-free dish, making it suitable for people with gluten or lactose intolerances. However, some individuals may be allergic to lentils or certain spices used in the curry, so it's important to check for any allergens before consuming.

Summary

Overall, lentil curry is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy option for vegetarians and vegans and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Lentil curry is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it with rice, bread, or on its own, lentil curry is a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Lentil Curry. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had been teaching me how to prepare traditional Indian dishes. One day, she handed me a tattered old recipe book that had been passed down through generations of our family.

As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Lentil Curry. I had never heard of it before, but the ingredients sounded intriguing: lentils, coconut milk, spices like cumin and turmeric. It seemed like a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a chilly evening.

I asked my grandmother where she had gotten the recipe from, and she chuckled softly. "Oh, my dear, I learned this recipe from an old friend of mine who used to live in a neighboring village. She was a master at making Lentil Curry, and she graciously shared her secret with me."

Excited to try something new, I set out to gather all the ingredients needed for the Lentil Curry. I went to the market and carefully selected the freshest lentils, ripest tomatoes, and fragrant spices. When I returned home, my grandmother guided me through the process of making the dish, sharing tips and tricks along the way.

I watched in awe as she expertly roasted the spices, simmered the lentils until they were tender, and added the creamy coconut milk to create a rich and flavorful sauce. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

After hours of cooking, the Lentil Curry was finally ready. I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro before serving it to my family. The first bite was a revelation - a perfect balance of spiciness, creaminess, and earthiness. My family loved it, and my grandmother beamed with pride.

From that day on, Lentil Curry became a staple in our household. I made it regularly, experimenting with different spices and variations to make it my own. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my grandmother and the old friend who had shared the recipe with her.

Years went by, and I moved to a new country, far away from my childhood home. But the memory of that first taste of Lentil Curry stayed with me, comforting me in times of homesickness and reminding me of the love and tradition that had shaped me.

I shared the recipe with my new friends and neighbors, passing down the knowledge and flavors that had been handed to me by my grandmother. And just like her, I watched as they fell in love with the dish, each person adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Lentil Curry may have come from a friend in a neighboring village, but it has become a part of me, a connection to my past and a bridge to my future.

And as I take a bite of the steaming, fragrant Lentil Curry that I have just prepared, I savor the flavors and memories that swirl around me. This dish is more than just a recipe - it is a story, a legacy, a gift from the women who came before me. And I am grateful for every spoonful.