Nepali dal bhat

Serves: 6

If they like it, it serves 6 otherwise

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Totaltime: 1 hour 0 minutes

Nepali Dal Bhat is the national dish of Nepal. It is simple everyday dal served with rice - a comforting and delicious dish to serve any time of the day.

Ingredients

For the Masala Powder:

2 Dry red chilies
½" Cinnamon stick
2 Cloves
2 Cardamom pods
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1½ tsp Coriander seeds
5 ~ 6 Peppercorns

For Dal:
½ cup Red Lentils/ Masoor Dal
2 tsp Oil
1 small Onion, finely chopped
¼ tsp Turmeric
2 tbsps Cilantro, finely chopped
Salt to taste

steamed plain rice

Preparation

Make the Spice powder:
Grind all the ingredients listed under masala powder into a smooth powder.
Make Dal:
Pressure cook red lentils until cooked through and mushy. Alternately red lentils can be cooked on the stove top until tender.
Heat oil in a saucepan, add the chopped onions and cook until they are golden brown. Add 1 tbsp masala powder, mix well and cook for 1~2 minutes.
Stir in the cooked dal, turmeric and salt. Add water if the dal looks too thick. Simmer on medium flame for 6~8 minutes.
Sprinkle chopped cilantro and serve with steamed plain rice.