Pakistani Lentil Curry
Description
A comforting daal made with split red lentils, turmeric, cumin, and garlic. Creamy, spiced, and nourishing, it’s a staple in Pakistani households served with rice or flatbread.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dry brown lentils 1/4 cup dry red lentils
- 4 cups water
- 5 whole garlic cloves 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 tablespoons clarified butter 1/4 onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 cup milk (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
Directions
- Soak brown and red lentils in ample cool water for 1 hour to overnight. Drain and rinse.
- Place drained lentils into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Pour in the water, then add garlic, salt, coriander, cayenne, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
- While the lentils cook, melt the clarified butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onions, and cook, stirring often, until they turn golden brown. Stir in the cumin, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir the onions and milk into the lentils; cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro to serve.
