Kavita Singhs Tardka Daal Recipes

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils several times until the water runs clear, then tip into a saucepan with 1 litre water and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25 mins, skimming the froth from the top. Cover with a lid and cook for a further 40 mins, stirring occasionally, until it's a thick, soupy consistency.
• While the lentils are cooking, heat the ghee or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, then fry the onion and garlic until the onion is softened, so around 8 mins. Add the turmeric and garam masala, then cook for a further minute. Set aside.
• Tip the lentils into bowls and spoon half the onion mixture on top. Top with the coriander and tomato to serve.

Steps:

• Clean the rice thoroughly. Soak for at least 1/2 hour in 2 cups of the water.
• Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the ginger and onions and fry on medium heat for a few minutes - just until it begins to brown.
• Slightly crush the cumin seed, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and red chili. Don't pulverize, just crush enough to release flavor. Add the crushed spices to the onions. Fry for a few more minutes.
• Carefully pour the water off of the rice and into the cooking pan (the rice will be added later). Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of water to the pan. Bring this water/onion/spice mixture to a boil.
• Add the rice and salt to the boiling pot. Stir gently.
• Cover with a tight lid and allow the rice to cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork and garnish with the chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve with curry - Thermomix Yogurt Chicken is excellent, or Kavita Singh's Tardka Daal or yogurt. I've posted the recipes for the chicken and daal on Food.com.