Dairy-Free Dhal Curry with Pittu

Instructions

1. 1Prepare Aromatics: Finely chop the 1 medium onion, mince the 2 cloves of garlic, grate the 2.54 cm of ginger, and thinly slice the 1 green chili.
2. 2Sauté Spices: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat (approximately 148.9-162.8°C / 150-160°C). Add the chopped 1 medium onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, grated 2.54 cm ginger, and sliced 1 green chili; sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. 3Bloom Dry Spices: Add the 1 tbsp of curry powder, 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds, and 10 curry leaves to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
4. 4Cook Dhal: Rinse the 1 cup of red lentils thoroughly under cold water, then add them to the pot along with the 1 can of coconut milk. Increase the heat to medium-high (approximately 176.7-190.6°C / 175-190°C) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low (approximately 93.33-107.2°C / 95-105°C). Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are very tender and have broken down into a thick, creamy consistency.
5. 5Season Dhal: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in salt to taste, adding 1/4 teaspoon at a time and tasting until the flavor is balanced.
6. 6Prepare Pittu Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of pittu flour and the 1 cup of grated coconut. Gradually add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs and holds together when squeezed but crumbles easily.
7. 7Steam Pittu: Loosely layer the pittu mixture into a pittu steamer, ensuring not to pack it down, and steam over boiling water (100°C / 100°C) for 10-15 minutes. The pittu is done when it is firm and cooked through, and a fragrant steam emerges from the top of the steamer.
8. 8Serve: Carefully remove the steamed pittu from the steamer and serve the hot Dhal Curry immediately alongside the freshly steamed Pittu.

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