Tarkari diyea arhar dal

5 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupSplit pigeon peas, soaked
4cupsWater
¼teaspoonTurmeric
2eachesGreen chiles
1eachWedge lemon, seeded
1teaspoonCumin, ground
1teaspoonCoriander, ground
½teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonSugar
1cupButternut squash, peeled & cubed*
¾cupGreen beans, cut into 2\" pieces
2tablespoonsVegetable oil
1eachBay leaf
¼teaspoonKalonji seeds
1cupOnion, finely chopped
1tablespoonGinger, minced
1teaspoonGreen chile, chopped
¼teaspoonGaram masala
2tablespoonsLemon juice
Ghee, optional

Directions

Bring water to a boil & stir in the dal. Add turmeric, whole chiles & lemon wedge. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, salt, sugar & squash. Simmer another 5 minutes. Add green beans & simmer a further 15 minutes or until everything is soft. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Heat oil in a skillet & fry bay leaf & kalonji for a few seconds. Add onion & fry until richly browned, stirring constantly, do not burn.

Add ginger & chopped chile & stir. Pour over the dal & mix well.

Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat & add garam masala.

Cover & let stand for a few minutes. Discard lemon wedge, blend in juice & ghee, garnish with cilantro & serve.

* Replace squash with sweet potato.

Bharti Kirchner, "The Healthy Cuisine of India: Recipes from the Bengal Region"