Red Lentil Dal

This easy lentil dal recipe brings the heat. The term dal refers to this soup-like Indian dish and the word for split lentils. The red lentils used here are common because they don't require any pre-soaking and cook quickly. They're simmered down in a tomato broth with lots of warm, bold spices. It's a surprisingly filling dish that is great for cold winter nights and when you don't have much time to cook. The spiced oil that gets drizzled over the top is optional but highly encouraged. The yogurt will help balance the dish's spiciness and acidity. Sour cream works as a great substitute. 

INGREDIENTS - 4 Servings

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp freshly minced ginger
• 2 green chilis, one diced and one sliced in rounds, divided
• 3 tsp cumin seeds, divided
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 (14-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Yogurt, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium pot over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and diced chili. Cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Add only 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and all the coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon spices. Stir to coat the mixture and toast the seeds for another minute.
2. Add lentils and toss to coat well. Then add tomatoes and broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until lentils are soft and broken down. 
3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds and cook until darkened and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Add sliced chili and cook 1 minute more. Pour into a small heatproof bowl, scraping out all the seeds and oil, and let cool while lentils continue to cook.

TO SERVE

• Spoon the dal into a bowl, top with yogurt, and drizzle with the fried cumin seed mixture. Enjoy!