Black dal

Ingredients

150g/5oz black lentils (urad dal)
50g/2oz green lentils (moong dal)
480ml/17fl oz water
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 green chillies, finely chopped
¼ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground cumin
½ cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
4 cloves
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large tomato, chopped
1 tsp caster sugar
squeeze lemon juice
small handful fresh chopped coriander

Method

1. Place the black and green lentils into a medium saucepan, add the water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain, then mash the lentils and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the onion and fry until it starts to colour. Add the garlic and fry for a few seconds.
3. Stir in the finely chopped chillies, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the chopped tomato, the sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the mashed lentils and bring to the boil.
6. Stir in a large handful of chopped coriander and serve.