French Green Lentil and Whole Masoor Dal Spicy curry.

This hearty & nourishing spicy lentil curry is perfect dish to warm up cold winter days. French Green lentils look like whole masoor dal except they are dark greenish, blackish in color. They cook quick and look very tempting with their tiny flat round shape. Seasoned with ginger, garlic and few spices makes this curry aromatic and delicious.

Ingredients:-

• 1 Cup French Green lentil - Soak in water for 1 hour
• 1 Cup Whole Masoor Dal - Soak in water for 1 hour
• 1 Large size onion - chopped.
• 2 Large size tomatoes - diced.
• 1 1/2 inch piece of ginger - minced
• 6-7 large size fresh garlic cloves - minced
• 1 Bay leaf - 2 inch size.
• 10-12 fresh curry leaves
• 1 Cup fresh chopped cilantro.
• 1 Tsp. red chili powder
• 1 Tsp. turmeric powder
  
• 1 Tbsp. Garam Masala
• 1 Tsp. brown sugar or little jaggery.
  

Pre-Cooking Lentil

1. Rinse French green lentil and Masoor Dal in water. Soak in water for at least one hour. After half an hour again thoroughly rinse lentil in water and re-soak in fresh water.
2. Take pressure pan/pressure cooker and add soaked lentils with minimum 3 cups water. Add salt and let it simmer, after it starts boiling put lid with whistle. After first whistle reduce heat to low,very soon it will build enough steam inside pressure cooker and as second whistle is blown, immediately turn off the gas .Place pressure cooker aside on heat proof surface.

Lentils Soaked in water

Pressure cooked Lentils

Method of cooking:-

1. Take 4 quart heavy bottom pot and heat 1 Tb.spoon oil. Add bay leaf and fry for 15 seconds. Add chopped onions. Saute them on medium heat till they turn translucent - about 4-5 minutes.
2. Add minced ginger and garlic - combine with onion and stir-fry for 1 minute.
3. Add 1 tb.spoon Garam masala , 5-6 curry leaves - Mix and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add half chopped tomatoes (rest save for later step) and saute for 2 minutes.
5. Now pour cooked Lentils into pot and add 2 Cups water.Stir and Mix.
   
6. Add red chili powder,turmeric , brown sugar and little chopped cilantro.Let curry simmer for 5-6 minutes on medium heat.
7. Add remaining diced tomatoes and curry leaves, add little more salt as per taste, adjust consistency of curry by adding little more water.Let it simmer for 7-8 minutes on low medium heat.Make sure that all lentils are cooked and tender.
   
8. Lastly garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy with rice or roti. You may also enjoy as spicy lentil soup by topping it with melted ghee or butter.