Spiced Dal with Fluffy Rice and Salted Yoghurt

Ingredients for Spiced Dal with Fluffy Rice and Salted Yoghurt

• 2 tablespoons ghee, virgin coconut oil, or vegetable oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled, finely grated

• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

• 230g yellow split peas, rinsed

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom

• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt

• 1 lime

• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced into rounds, rinsed

• Pinch of sugar

• 120ml plain whole-milk Greek yoghurt

• Cooked Jasmine or basmati rice (for serving)

• Freshly ground black pepper

Heat ghee in a medium pot over medium-high. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned around the edges, 5–7 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring often, just to take the edge off garlic, about 30 seconds. Add 80ml water and simmer, stirring occasionally, until water evaporates, about 1 minute. Add split peas, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 950ml water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until split peas are very tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 12–14 minutes; season with salt. Cover with a lid and keep dal warm over low heat while you make the toppings.

Finely grate zest from lime into a small bowl. Cut lime in half and squeeze juice into bowl (you’ll have about 2 tablespoons ). Add red onion, sugar, and a large pinch of salt and toss, squeezing onion with your hands to help it soften quickly.

Mix yoghurt and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl; season with salt.

Serve dal over rice drizzled with salty yoghurt and topped with onion and pepper.

Dal (without yoghurt and onion) can be made 1 day ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.