Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red Lentils
• 4 cups Water
• 1 medium Onion
• 1 medium Tomato
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1/2 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1/4 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Instructions

1. 1Measure 1 cup of red lentils into a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. 2Finely chop 1 medium onion. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grate 1 inch of ginger. Dice 1 medium tomato.
3. 3Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and softened.
4. 4Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5Add the diced tomato, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder to the pot. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, or until the tomatoes have softened.
6. 6Add the rinsed 1 cup of red lentils and 4 cups of water to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are very soft and have broken down.
7. 7Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (though no extra salt or pepper are listed, so this step assumes no additions).
8. 8Ladle the Masoor Dal into bowls. Garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro before serving.

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