French Puy Lentils are these mottled, dark gems that cook up into pearly black deliciousness.
I love these little guys because they have a peppery flavor that goes nicely with Indian spices. This time, I substituted them for the pink lentils (masoor) I use to make Cauliflower Dal. They were so good, I am never making this dish without them again.
This dal makes a great weeknight meal with some boiled rice and subzi. The lentils cook quite fast and easily in my pressure cooker, although I guess they’d do pretty well too in a microwave because of their tiny size.
It’s a busy weeknight so I’m going to stop nattering and get on with the recipe. Here we go!
Cauliflower Dal with French Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 cup French Lentils , cooked in a pressure cooker or put in a microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover the lentils, and microwaved until tender
- 1 medium head of cauliflower , separated into florets
- 1 red onion , sliced thinly
- 1- inch knob of ginger , grated
- 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 6 green cardamom pods , bruised
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- For tempering:
- 1 tsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 5 cloves garlic , minced
Instructions
- Heat the 1 tbsp vegetable oil and add cardamom
- Stir for a minute and add the onions.
- Fry on medium heat until the onions brown at the edges.
- Add the ginger and stir for a few seconds.
- Add the coriander powder, chilli powder and turmeric and stir to coat with oil.
- Add the cauliflower and salt to taste. Stir well, add 1/2 cup of water, cover and let cook until the cauliflower is tender.
- Add the lentils and stir well. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Check salt.
- Heat the oil for tempering. Add the cumin seeds and, when they sputter, add the garlic.
- Stir-fry the garlic until light brown. Pour the garlic-oil mixture on the dal.
- Garnish with coriander and serve hot with rice.
***
Here’s Opie looking very, very thoughtful. Honestly, sometimes I think he’s pondering the meaning of life. Or at least how to get his next treat.
And Lucy Big Ears, in a playful mood after dinner.
Mahimaa's kitchen says
October 24, 2008 atVery different from the usual cauliflower subji. Makes a hearty meal with rice.. I agree.
Cham says
October 24, 2008 atOpie makes me pitty with his innocent face, The lentil and Gobi combo is just awesome 🙂
Divya Vikram says
October 24, 2008 atThat is a new lentil variety I have never seen..Looks like a protein packed dish.
Priya says
October 24, 2008 atDelicioussss Lentils..n healthy too…Opie looks cute..
Sia says
October 24, 2008 atopie and lucy are adorable…
and need i say anything abt the recipe! puy lentils given indian twist. very innovative vaishali.
Arundhuti says
October 24, 2008 athi…pls collect ur award from my blog…:-)
http://gourmetaffair.blogspot.com/2008/10/diwali-festival-of-lights-and-award.html
Destiny's Vegan Kitchen says
October 24, 2008 atYour pups are so lucky to have a mom like you! You’re one of the sweetest, most caring people. :o) And they’re probably always drooling around the kitchen there. I would be!
Uma says
October 25, 2008 atwow, what a delicious combo! the curry/dal looks simply marvelous. Opie and Lucy look so adorable. Have a great weekend.
Priya says
October 25, 2008 atVaishali..
pls collect hardblogger award from my blog .. u deserve it…
http://priyaeasyntastyrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/10/hard-working-food-blogger-award.html
Bex says
October 26, 2008 atmy husband loves the cauliflower. I’ll need to try this, it sounds yummers.
Kate says
October 26, 2008 atHi there, I called via Suranga’s (gappa) site and the reason ? your dish sounds absolutely delicious and after having read the ingredients and recipe my south is watering. Unfortunately I can’t take advantage of the recipe as I am married to a man who can’t eat spices, sauces and goodness knows what else – he also hates the smell of these – he counts brocolli and cauliflower as exotic vegetables for goodness sake ! ARGHH ! he drives me insane at times – I manage to cope for a month or so and then have to call at my friends with a couple of other friends and we all go out and splurge out on having a spicy meal either Chinese or Indian – yum! My next visit is coming up this week and I am really desperate for a spice of any kind my palate has all but died… Thanks for the third handed enjoyment of your Ginger Cauliflower with Lentils – It sounds really very appetising. Cheers from Scotland, Kate x.
Rajee says
October 26, 2008 atHey vaishali, Opie and Lucy look so cute:-) Lovely recipe with french lentils and cauliflower. I love french lentils too, they cook up so fast. These are good substitute to whole masoor dal.
Uma says
October 26, 2008 atWishing you and your family a happy diwali!
Wow, beautiful header Vaishali!
Gita's Kitchen says
October 27, 2008 atThis is very different from the dal I make. Love the idea of using cauliflower in dal, looks hearty.
Noa says
January 16, 2015 atCan I add some fresh spinach? Do you think it’ll taste nice?
Vaishali Honawar says
January 16, 2015 atAbsolutely. Give it a try!