traditional Indian gram dal with spinach and brinjal.

An Indian-spiced lentil dish. Serve with a pita or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup chana dal (a yellow lentil), washed.

5 cups water

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

salt to taste

1 bunch spinach chopped.

1 brinjal chopped in cubes

3 cloves garlic chopped

1 onion chopped

1 tomato chopped or 3 tablespoons canned tomato(this one gives very gud colour to the dal)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon chopped green chili

4 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

cilantro/parsley/coriander leaves to garnish

Preparation:

Cook the dal in the 5 cups of water with turmeric and salt for 30 minutes. Add the spinach and brinjals cook until the spinach and brinjal is tender and mixed with the lentils - about 35-50 minutes.

In a separate pan heat the oil, add the cumin seeds and as they pop add the onions. Brown the onions.

Add the garlic, tomatoes, green chili, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, stir 2 minutes.

Add the daal and spinach and lemon juice, stir and heat through.

Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with pita or chapati or basmati rice.