Dal Bhat (Lentil Soup and Rice) - Peanut-Free

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red lentils
• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 medium Tomato
• 1 inch Ginger
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 2 tbsp Ghee (or vegetable oil)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 6 cups Water

Instructions

1. 1Measure the 1 cup of red lentils and 2 cups of basmati rice into separate bowls. Add enough cool water to cover each and swirl with your hands to rinse. Drain the water completely from both the lentils and the rice.
2. 2Finely chop the 1 medium onion. Peel and mince the 3 cloves of garlic and peel and grate the 1 inch of ginger.
3. 3Place a large, heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of ghee (or vegetable oil) and let it melt. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. 4Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot with the onions. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add the 2 medium tomatoes, chopped, along with the 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Stir everything together and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
5. 5Add the rinsed 1 cup of red lentils and 6 cups of water to the pot. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and have broken down.
6. 6While the lentils are simmering, cook the 2 cups of basmati rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Let the rice stand, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat before fluffing with a fork.
7. 7Once the lentils are soft, stir the lentil soup (dal) and season with 1 teaspoon of salt, or to your preference. Ladle the dal into bowls and serve hot with the cooked 2 cups of basmati rice (bhat).

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