250g/9 oz/1 1/2 cups red
lentils, soaked for 1 hour
pinch of ground turmeric
2.8l/5 pts/12 cups water
salt
60ml/4 tbsp ghee or oil
pinch of asafoetida
2.5ml/1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds
1.5ml/1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1.5cm/1/2 in ginger root,
chopped
2.5ml/1/2 tsp ground red chili
2.5l/1/2 tsp garam masala
pinch of ground turmeric
225g/8 oz canned tomatoes,
chopped
Garnish
15ml/1 tbsp chopped fresh
coriander (cilantro)
2.5ml/1/2 tsp garam masala
1 small green chili, chopped
Method:
Place the lentils, turmeric,
water and salt in a pan, bring to the boil and skim
off any scum. Simmer over a medium heat for 1 1/2
hours.
Meanwhile, heat the ghee in a
heavy-based pan and fry the asafoetida, fenugreek
and cumin seeds until brown. Add the garlic, ginger,
spices and tomatoes and fry until all the water has
been absorbed and the ghee appears on the top.
Stir in the cooked dal and
simmer for a further 30 minutes. Sprinkle with the
garnish ingredients and serve hot with rice, okra,
aubergine and matar paneer.