Dhal Makhani (Spicy Indian Red Lentils)

This recipe is a version of a very popular Indian dish where the lentils provide a surprisingly creamy flavour and texture. Perfect to serve with flatbreads or roti. It is vegan, gluten and dairy free.

Preparation time - 30 minutes
Cooking time - 1 hour

Ingredients (serves 6)

1 cup (250g) of dried red lentils

5 cups (1.5l) water

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp cumin seeds

6 green cardamoms

4 bay leaves

6 cloves

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp garlic paste

2 tsp ginger paste

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

500g passata

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp chilli powder

2 tbsp coriander seeds

50g salted vegan butter

400g tin of kidney beans

2tbsp dried fenugreek leaves

1 tsp salt

Fresh coriander, to garnish

To cook

1. Rinse the lentils and add to a large saucepan with the 5 cups of water. Bring to the boil then lower the heat to simmer. Use a spoon to remove any foam that forms on the surface. 

2. Measure the cumin seeds, cardamoms, cloves and cinnamon.

3. Fry the cumin seeds in the oil on a low / medium heat, until they begin to brown.

4. Add the bay leaves, cardamom and cloves. Fry for 2 mins or until the bay leaves turn brown. 

5. Add the garlic and ginger, fry for 1 min.

6. Add the turmeric and cayenne pepper to the cinnamon.

7. Stir the spice mixture into the roasted seeds and fry for 1 min.

8. Add the passata and tomato puree. Cook for 5 mins.

9. Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan for 2 mins or until they begin to pop and turn brown.

10. Grind the coriander seeds into a powder.

11. Measure the coriander, chilli and butter.

12. Add the spices and butter to the pan, stir until the butter has melted.

13. Add the tin of kidneys beans along with it's water to the lentils.

14. Add the cooked tomato mixture to the lentils.

15. Measure the fenugreek leaves.

16. Add the fenugreek leaves and the salt to the lentils and leave to simmer for 30 mins.

17. Add a coriander garnish and serve.

Alternatives

The coriander garnish is optional.

This dish is quite spicy, so reduce the amount of chilli powder if you prefer a milder flavour.