Dals Recipes - Split Black Beans Recipe

Ingredients

• 350g/12 oz/3 cups split black beans

• 2.5ml/1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 900ml/1 1/2 pts/3 3/4 cups water

• salt

Tarka

• 60ml/4 tbsp ghee or oil/large pinch of asafoetida

• 3 large cloves, crushed

• 2.5cm/1 in ginger root, chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 5ml/ 1tsp ground roasted cumin

• 2.5ml/ 1/2 tsp ground red chili

• 1.5ml/1/4 tsp ground turmeric

• 2.5ml/1/2tsp garam masala

Garnish

• 15ml/1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

• 2.5ml/1/2 tsp garam masala

• 1 small green chili, chopped

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Method:

1. Place the split beans, turmeric, water and salt in a large pan, bring to the boil and skin off any scum. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer over a low heat for 45 minutes until the dal is tender. If any water is left, dry it off on a high heat but don't stir or the dal will become mushy.

2. Meanwhile, heat the ghee or oil in a heavy-based pan and fry the asafoetida, garlic, ginger and onion over a medium heat until golden brown. Add the cumin, chili, turmeric and garam masala and stir in the cooked dal.

3. Sprinkle with the garnish ingredients and serve hot with chapatis, stuffed aubergine, potato curry and raita.