Masoor Dal Stew and Soup

Red Lentils, with its Indian name, Masoor Dal is actually a bland item. You have to mix it with multiple spices to bring out the flavor it hides. Keep aside the regular Toor Dal and try this Red Lentil-Masoor Dal Stew-Soup or you can even make Sambaar with it in your own style, just replace the Lentils. Its protein qualities are incomparable.

Ingredients:

2 cups Masoor Dal, semi-cooked to softness
1 cup chopped carrots
1 potato, boiled and cubed
1/2 cup chopped celery
2 cups chopped spinach or any other leafy greens
5-6 green chillies
2 tsp chopped ginger
1 cup pink onion ( if you prefer)
4 garlic cloves ( if you prefer)
1 1/2 tsp cumin ( jeera) powder
A few curry leaves
2-3 tsps crushed dry red chillies
1/4 tsp cinnamon and pepper powder
4 tbsp virgin coconut oil Items for tempering

Preparation Method:
In a large vessel, heat coconut oil and add the grains for tempering. Add pressed garlic cloves, crushed red chillies and curry leaves to crackle. Add onions, carrots and ginger and saute until onions are transparent. Add the cooked masoor dal and some water asper your desired consistency, potato cubes, celery, salt and spices. On a reduced heat, boil until carrots and lentils are soft. When the water is bubbling, add the chopped leafy greens and cook for 10 more minutes. You donot need rice to savor this. It is actually a Indo-Western preparation so it can be consumed as Soup. You can serve it with Rotis or even Paratha or Pita bread. We have used Potato for a creamy texture and Celery for the crunch, you can replace any veggies with your desired varieties. For Vegan lovers, it is a perfect dish. For those who have dairy intolerance, this Red Lentil Masoor Dal soup is one good choice...it is lactose-free, soy-free, wheat-free.

---Prathyusha