Dal is a thick lentil stew cooked with spices that is traditionally eaten in southern India.  It is one of my favorite dishes and is the perfect hearty, protein-rich meal for a vegetarian/vegan diet.  Dal is perfect to serve along with rice, vegetables, and flat-bread for an easy meal – perfect for any weeknight dinner or a Sunday supper.  If you are looking for simple comfort food and a nourishing dish then this dal is for you.

Ingredients  (Serves 4 – 6)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup yellow lentils
• 1 cup grey-green lentils
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4.5 cups vegetable broth
• cilantro for garnish (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste (if desired)

Preparation:

1. Add the olive oil to a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for an additional minute.
4. Add the lentils, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, turmeric, cumin, tomato paste, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer.
6. Let cook for 20 – 30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
8. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.