Lakhnawi khatti dal (lucknow sour lentils)

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
cupPink lentils
1tablespoonFinely chopped ginger
½teaspoonTurmeric
1tablespoonLemon juice
1cupBoiling water
2teaspoonsSalt
5tablespoonsGhee
1teaspoonBlack cumin seeds
1tablespoonMinced garlic
½teaspoonRed pepper

Directions

Wash lentils thoroughly. Place in a saucepan with the turmeric & 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat & simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Add lemon juice to lentils & cook for a further 15 minutes. Turn off heat & beat with a wire whisk.

Heat ghee, when very hot, add cumin seeds & fry for about 10 seconds.

Remove pan from the heat & add red pepper & minced garlic. Stir rapidly for 10 seconds until the garlic begins to colour, but do not let it brown. Pour over the hot puree. Serve immediately.

Julie Sahni, "Classic Indian Cooking"