Monday, January 17, 2011

Sunday Dinner: Dhal and Rice

Saturday:make dhal (double batch - froze half for later)

Sunday morning:
make decaf chai with cardamom
put brown rice in oven on timed bake
set out tomato chutney and peaches

Sunday noon:
warm up dhal
warm up chai
set table
get out yogurt



Menu:
dhal and brown rice
home canned tomato chutney

chai





We love dhal, curried split peas from India. The recipe I use comes from More with Less and I usually double it because it freezes so beautifully.


Dhal
Bring to boil:
1 c. dry split peas
2.5 c. water
1 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cayenne
scant tsp. salt

Lower heat, cover partially and simmer for 30 minutes until peas are beginning to disintegrate.

Meanwhile, saute in Dutch oven:
3 Tbs. butter or ghee
1 large onion, thinly sliced lengthwise (I was distracted and chopped it this time - just has a different look)
1 tsp. whole cumin seed
10 whole cloves
5 black peppercorns

Fry gently until onions are well browned, 10-12 minutes.  Add cooked peas and liquid to the onions and stir well.  Turn off heat.  Set aside until near mealtime and then reheat. Eat over rice.


10 comments:

Jennifer Jo said...

You let your kids eat lunch in their Sunday clothes?!

Melanie said...

Yum! Thanks for this - one of my cooking goals this year is to remember to use More with Less, well, more! This is a great endorsement and I shall be adding dahl to our menu in the next few weeks :-)

Margo said...

JJ, yup. I figure they can either get their Sunday clothes dirty or else Sunday clothes AND play clothes. We put play clothes on them if they're going outside, but this time of year, they're suited up in snowpants and all anyway.

life in this 1880 farmhouse said...

I love More with Less Books as well. Never made Dahl before. Looks good though! It is good to let children eat in their best wear, then they will learn for eating out with adults at fancy places. Good for you!

Crystal said...

We enjoy dahl also. It's high on my list of comfort foods. Thanks for the reminder; I might just make it this week.

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I'm not familiar with dahl -- never had it or cooked but it sounds so simple, economical, and flavorful that I think I'll have to try it soon. Your blog is so educational for me.

And, let me just say... wow, I'm seeing steady and significant improvement in your photography. The photos of G, in particular, are nicely composed, very crisp and focused, and perfectly exposed. Nice work!

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm...your post is making me hungry.

Margo said...

Christian, thanks for your photo advice!

Nicole said...

We love the More With Less books! My daughter made this recipe a while ago - I'll have to nudge her to make it again.

An Adventurer in the World said...

first time commenting, long time reading via Christian and Pleasantview...

Thank you for this Dahl recipe--Chana dahl is an especially low-glycemic food yet I have yet to find a recipe my diabetic husband enjoys. Will try this next!

deb m