Red Lentil Dal With Charred Onions

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 50 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 whole clove
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 dried chili
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken)
• 1 cup small dried red lentils
• 14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Recipe

• 1 heat 1 tsp oil in a large heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. add onion and cook for 2 minutes (not stirring) or until charred. carefully turn the onion over and cook an additional 4 minutes or until charred.
• 2 remove from the heat and coarsely chop. set aside.
• 3 combine the mustard seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seed and clove ina small skillet over medium heat. cook about 1 1/2 minute until the mixture is fragrant, stirring frequently.
• 4 remove from the heat.
• 5 combine the mustard mixture, cinnamon, cardamom and chili ina spice or coffee grinder and pulse until ground.
• 6 heat remaining 2 tsp of oil in a small dutch oven over medium high heat. add the ginger and garlic to the pan; saute 1 minute.
• 7 stir in the spices; saute 1 minute more.
• 8 add the broth, lentils, and tomato to the pan and bring to a boil.
• 9 cover and reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 10 uncover and add charred onion, and cook 10 more minutes.
• 11 stir in cilantro and lime juice.
• 12 serve.