Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Lentils. Again!

I'm still trying to use up all of the random crap that's been hanging around in my cupboards. (I also had to head out of town and didn't want to purchase any perishables that may have had the opportunity to turn into an unwanted science experiment while I was away.) The ingredients in this recipe are not unlike those in the red lentil dal that I made last week. You may think that I am boring. I think that I'm economical...and kind of stuck in a rut. But it's tasty, so enjoy!



Curry Spiced Lentils with Cashews

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder or garam masala
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 cup chopped cashews (roasted and unsalted)
1 cup dried French green (Le Puy) lentils, washed and picked over
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup yogurt, for garnish
1/4 cup chopped parsley, for garnish
Cooked Basmati or Jasmine rice, if desired

1. Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the butter and once it is melted and foamy add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the spice blend (curry or garam masala) and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring frequently, until it darkens, 2 - 3 minutes.

2. Add the cashews and stir to coat them in the onion mixture. Add the lentils and enough water to cover by an inch.

3. Bring the lentil mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, simmering until the beans are soft, 20 to 30 minutes. (Add additional water if the mixture begins to dry out.) When the lentils are cooked through and the mixture has thickened, stir in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve, over rice, if desired, garnished with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkling of parsley. Makes 4 to 6 servings.


4 comments:

froogal said...

Trying to come up with something exciting everyday is a challenge but the bigger challenge is to create something out of the pantry and I don't think this looks or sounds boring at all, in fact I am obsessed with lentils lately and especially the French green lentils so I am happy to have found a new recipe.

Jennifer said...

Love lentils. This looks great! I agree with Kathy. If I come up with something fabulous once a week it would be cause for celebration. I'm always amazed that all these ingredients can magically come together and form something so delicious.

Unknown said...

This looks yummy. The cashews are the perfect addition and they must add some nice crunchy texture too!

WendyB said...

I love lentils and don't eat them often enough.