Crockpot Red Lentil Dal

2023, Aug 08    

Ingredients

  • 3 cups red lentils (can use part yellow split peas or split mung beans, or a combination of two or more)
  • 6 cups water
  • One 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon turmeric
  • 3 green cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 teaspoons each: cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion seeds (nigella), fenugreek seeds (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For serving:
  • Hot cooked brown rice
  • cilantro, optional
  • extra onion and cumin seeds, optional
  • fresh lemon juice, optional

Instructions

  1. Place red lentils and yellow split peas into a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for a few minutes and swish to wash the lentils and split peas. Drain well and rinse. Place in a slow cooker and add the 6 cups water. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom pods, bay leaf, salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add all of the seeds to the pan. Shake the pan while on the heat, or use a wooden spoon to stir, while toasting the seeds. When they smell fragrant, remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker. (It will probably bubble up a bit as the hot seed hit the liquid.) Stir well to combine all ingredients. Place lid on slow cooker and let cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
  3. Remove lid after cooking time and stir. Taste and if lentils are not soft, cook for another 30-60 minutes, if needed. Add more salt and pepper, if needed.
  4. To serve – Ladle the daal over brown rice and top with a squeeze of fresh lemon, cilantro, and more seeds, if desired.

Notes

[!NOTE] NOTE Add notes here.