23 October 2009

Indian-Spiced Lentils with Kale


All the rage about Kale these days led me to this quick, non-fussy recipe at Cooks Illustrated. A good introduction for those who are intimadated by Indian cooking.

Serves 4

1 cup red lentils, picked over and rinsed (I used Masoor Dal)
1 tsp table salt
1 pound kale, stemmed, rinsed, and coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp yellow mustard powder
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp minced fresh ginger

1) Rinse the lentils well and strain.
2) In a medium saucepan, add lentils, 6 cups of water and salt and bring to a boil; boil for 5 minutes.
3) Reduce the head and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the lentils are tender, but still hold their shape.
4) Add kale to the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
5) In a skillet, heat butter over medium heat.
6) Add the coriander, cumin and mustard powders and red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute
7) Add the garlic and ginger and saute for 1 minute or until softened and fragrant.
8) Add the lentils and kale and the reserved cooking liquid and simmer for 5 minutes.
9) Adjust seasings as needed.
10) Serve hot with rotis or rice.

This can easily be made into a soup by adding more liquid and adjusting the salt and spices, accordingly.


2 comments:

Mekhala said...

Hey! Welcome! I have 1/2 a bunch of kale left over in my fridge...shall try this out!

mayaMasala said...

Thank you! Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.