Red Lentils!

Perhaps you had overindulged over the holidays and now you are feeling the effects. Well its time to get on track, below is your healthy recipe. Packed with fiber, this protein-rich meal will leave you satisfied.

Ingredients 

Lentils (Dal) 
1 cup masoor dal red lentils, picked through for stones 
2 cups water 
1 onion, diced 
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 
1 (1/2-inch) piece ginger, peeled and minced 
2 medium tomatoes, diced 
1 serrano chile, sliced in 1/2, optional 

Tempering Oil (Bagaar) 
1/2 tsp cumin seeds 
1/2 tsp black mustard seeds 
Generous 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 
1/2 tsp paprika or bafaat powder 
1 tbsp vegetable oil 
Handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions 
For the lentils: Put the lentils in a strainer and rinse them under running water. Add them to a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. 

In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, the onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, chile, if using, and the lentils. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim any scum from the surface. Lower the heat, cover the pot with a lid and gently simmer until the lentils are tender, almost translucent, and almost falling apart, about 30 to 40 minutes. 

Whisk the lentils, releasing its natural starch, and mash some of them so the mixture becomes thick. Add salt, to taste. 

For the tempering oil (bagaar): In a small bowl, combine the cumin and mustard seeds. In another bowl, combine the spice powders. Have all the ingredients ready because this will move very fast! 

In a small skillet, over a medium-high flame, warm 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add seeds and immediately cover. Add the spices. Don't let them burn. The mixture should bloom for about 30 seconds, no more. 

Pour the oil mixture into the lentils, standing back so you don't get hurt when the mixture splutters. Stir to combine. Transfer the lentils to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro.