Ingredients
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1 cup Lentils5-10 different kinds
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3 cups Water
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2 TBSP Oil
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1/2 TSP Black Mustard
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1/2 TSP Cumin
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1/2 TSP Red Chilipowder or flakes
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2 TSP Coriender Powder
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1/2 TSP Garam Masala
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1/2 TSP Salt
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1/2 TSP Turmeric
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1 TSP Ginger-Garlic PasteOptional
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Directions
This is a very popular recipe of mixed lentils, no rules of mixing how many, which ones, yet always a winner.
Where I grew up, it is called Kevati or Keoti Dal. In neighbouring states, it has more exotic names like Panchmeli, Panchratni, etc. Dal.
If you go to a decent Indian store anywhere in USA, they have over 30 different kinds of lentils available. These lentils are further sold in three different forms each, whole, split with skins on and split without skins (blanched). Thus depending upon each Indian household’s taste and recipe requirements, one buys what each consumes most. I always have a year’s worth of stock of a few that we rotate in cooking various recipes.
In this episode, I am demonstrating that one can take a random proportion of 5-10 different lentils, cook them and season them using my trick to come up with mouthwatering, finger-licking, delicious recipe that goes with many other Indian staple and exotic pairings.
For those who do not like any of ingredients I suggest, no sweat, skip them. I know my best friends and family does not eat Onions or Garlic – skip them. My dad was allergic to ginger, if you are, skip it. Similarly, if you want mild, use less chili peppers. However, if you like to indulge in flavors I suggest, you can double down and this dish will be delicious for you. If you are really plain-hearted, bland-lover, boring, no need to use the seasoning step. Just add 1 spoonful of butter, (do not skip the salt and turmeric step) this dish will be still very delicious for you.
Steps
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1
Done
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Cook LentilsMix all lentils together, wash, add 3 cups of water and cook. Depending upon choice of ingredients, it may take 15-45 min of pressure cooking to tenderize all. |
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2
Done
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Season/TemperHeat oil, pop mustard seeds and sizzle cumin and chili in it. Add ginger garlic paste mixed with some water and remaining spices (coriander, turmeric and Garam Masaala). Cook for 3 min or until water and oil separate. Add Lentils, bring to a boil. |
