Indian Mango Dal

Dal is a traditional Indian dish that usually consists of lentils flavored with spices and served over rice. The mangoes in this dish add a whole element of unexpected flavor! You can use both ripe and under-ripe mangoes. Ripe mangoes will add a sweetness to the dal while the under-ripe mangoes will add tartness. This recipe comes from Eating Well magazine.



Indian Mango Dal
1 cup lentils, rinsed
4 cups water
1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 Tbs canola oil
1 tsp cumin
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs fresh ginger, minced
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 mangoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Combine the lentils, water, 1/2 tsp of the salt, and turmeric in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the cumin and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the onions and cook till they soften and brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, cayenne, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and cook, stirring, for another couple of minutes.

Add the garlic mixture and the mangoes to the pot with the lentils. Return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are falling apart and the mangoes are soft, about another 15 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and serve over steamed brown rice!

Serves 5-6.