Curried Black Lentils Soup

Serves 4-5.


The main ingredient is black lentils, a smaller version of black beans, and will require a trip to an Indian store. They are called "urad dal" (pronounced "oo-rudh daal"). This is a very common dish in north Indian households. This dal is tougher than other dals and tastes best after it has been simmering for a couple of hours. Buy a pressure cooker or test your patience if you want to make this dish.

1 cup mah dal (black lentils)
4 cups water
1 green chili chopped (or substitute with 1/2 tsp cayenne)
3 tbsps vegetable oil
1 inch ginger, peeled and chopped into tiny pieces
1 medium onion, sliced finely
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Wash the dal in several changes of water. Drain and add the 4 cups of water. Add salt and half of the ginger; cook on low heat for 2 - 3 hours or pressure cook for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil, add remaining ginger, sliced onions, chili, and fry until golden brown. Add the cumin and pepper and stir. Pour the above mixture into the dal and simmer for at least another 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the better it will taste. Add more salt to taste if necessary.