Red Dal is easy to prepare and the perfect veggie dish – fragrant and packed with proteins.

Preparation time 25 minutes

What you need:

1 cup (200g) red lentils (Masoor dal), rinsed

2 ½ cups (600ml) water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon sambar powder

1 cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Little chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cardamom

1 teaspoon salt

3-4 dried curry leaves (optional)

1 medium tomato, diced

Juice of one half a lemon or lime (optional)

Chopped cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

How to do it:

Heat oil and sauté onions until golden, add garlic and ginger.

Add rinsed lentils and water. Add all spices and salt.

Turn the heat to medium and allow the lentils to cook for 20 minutes.

Add chopped tomatoes, cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes fall apart.

Add the lemon/lime juice and stir well. Taste and add salt as needed.

Garnish with cilantro; serve with basmati rice and/or naan.