Lentil Dhal With Roasted Garlic Recipe

Name: Lentil Dhal With Roasted Garlic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing and drizzling; 2 tablespoons ghee or 2 tablespoons butter; 1 onion, chopped; 2 fresh green chilies, seeded (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh gingerroot; 8 ounces split yellow lentils (Toor dhal, Chana dhal, or split yellow peas) or 8 ounces split red lentils (Masoor dhal); 3 3/4 cups water; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced; 1 -2 teaspoon lemon juice; salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, to garnish; For the Spice Mix; 2 tablespoons peanut oil or 2 tablespoons other vegetable oil; 4 -5 asian shallots, peeled and sliced; 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon ghee or 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon cumin seed; 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds; 3 -4 dried red chilies; 8 -10 fresh curry leaves (or you can use frozen, but not dried)

Servings: persons

1 head garlic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing and drizzling
2 tablespoons ghee or 2 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
2 fresh green chilies, seeded (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh gingerroot
8 ounces split yellow lentils (Toor dhal, Chana dhal, or split yellow peas) or 8 ounces split red lentils (Masoor dhal)
3 3/4 cups water
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 tomatoes, peeled and diced
1 -2 teaspoon lemon juice
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, to garnish
For the Spice Mix
2 tablespoons peanut oil or 2 tablespoons other vegetable oil
4 -5 asian shallots, peeled and sliced
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon ghee or 1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
3 -4 dried red chilies
8 -10 fresh curry leaves (or you can use frozen, but not dried)

1
Place the whole head of garlic in an oiled roasting tin - I used a little pannacotta mould that the garlic could sit snugly in - and drizzle a little olive oil over the garlic. Pop the garlic in a preheated 350F (180C) oven, and roast it for 30 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, wash and drain the lentils, and then place them in a large, heavy-bottomed, preferably non-stick pan, with the 3 3/4 cups of water. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, partially covering the pan with its lid. Stirring occasionally, allow the lentils to simmer for about 35 minutes, or until the mixture starts to take the appearance of very thick soup. You may need to add some water to the pan, from time to time, as it evaporates and the mixture starts to look dry.
3
Once you have the lentils on to cook, melt the ghee or butter in a small to medium skillet, and cook the onion, fresh chilies and ginger over low heat, stirring from time to time, until golden - about 10 minutes. Just as the lentils are becoming tender, add the onion mixture to the lentils and stir to combine. Then allow the lentils to finish cooking. Give the skillet a bit of a wipe with kitchen paper, as you will use it again shortly.
4
At about this time, the garlic should be soft and tender. Remove it from the oven and let it cool - roasted garlic can be extremely hot, so take care. Cut off the top third of the head, and holding the garlic over a small bowl, squeeze and otherwise dig out the flesh from each clove. Next, mash the garlic with the 2 tablespoons olive oil.
5
Add the roasted garlic puree, ground cumin and ground coriander to the lentil mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then add the diced tomatoes and a little lemon juice, to taste. Mix thoroughly, then reduce the heat while you prepare the spice mix.
6
Heat the oil in the skillet and fry the sliced shallots until quite crispy and brown. Add the garlic and cook until it just colours slightly - overcooked garlic gets bitter. Remove this mixture from the pan and set it aside.
7
Melt the ghee or butter in the same pan, and fry the cumin and mustard seeds until the mustard seeds start popping. Stir in the dried chilies, curry leaves and the shallot mixture, then tip it all into the lentils and swirl it around.
8
Garnish the dhal with the fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

688

kcal

Calories

Fat

103

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 23 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 head garlic, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing and drizzling, 2 tablespoons ghee or 2 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, chopped, and more.

Yes, Lentil Dhal With Roasted Garlic falls under the Vegetarian category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Lentil Dhal With Roasted Garlic

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions