Kothamalli Dal ( Cilantro Lentil Soup)

April 5th 2010

The beautiful flavorful cilantro is the star of this dish. And thanks to my ex-neighbor Sameer and his simple and tasty recipes, this is a staple many days in my home. This dal is a lifesaver when you want to make something quick. Extremely easy to make but so good to taste too. Once you've tried it, you are gonna keep making it over and over. This is a good accompaniment to rice and to rotis. 

Difficulty level : Easy Peasy Japanesy

Time:  20 min (Prep time) 5 min (cooking time)

Ingredients

• Thoor dal ( 1/2 cup)
• 3 cups water 
• Cilantro (1/2 a bunch)
• Green chillies ( 3 nos or more if you want to set your tongue on fire)
• Mustard ( 1 tbsp)
• Ghee (to season)
• Turmeric power ( a pinch)
• salt (to taste)

Method de Preparation

1. Cook Thoor dal in a pressure cooker with 1:3 water. Allow to cook well, equivalent of 3 or more whistles and turn of gas.
2. Chop the cilantro finely and keep ready.
3. Once cooker has cooled ( you can do your dishes or make your chapatis in the meantime or watch 2 Bollywood songs), put the dal and the chopped cilantro in a pan and allow to cook well.
4. Add salt too and when the mixture begins to boil, turn of gas.
5. In a small vessel, season in ghee, mustard and when it splutters add the green chillies and then finally the turmeric.
6. Empty into the dal, mix and serve hot.
7. Squeeze lime if you like ( I don't).

Chef's Tip:   This is not a thick dal, but don't let it be too watery. 1:3 ratio works well. Add the water when you cook in the pressure cooker rather than later, it matters.

Source:  Sameer Mahajan