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Creamy Horsegram and greens dal

A spicy and delicious dal with horse gram and mixed greens, burst of nutrition in each bite
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Prep Time 10 hours
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • pressure cooker or instant pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup horse gram
  • 4 cups mixed greens - chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger finely chopped or grated

Spices

  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder can add more if preferred
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves powder)
  • salt to taste

Cashew milk

  • 6-8 cashews soak in 1/2 cup hot water for 15 min and grind into a thin paste

Instructions
 

Cooking the horse gram

  • Soak the horse gram in water standing about one inch over the lentil surface overnight, about 8-10 hr.
    Then drain the water. Put the drained lentils in a pressure cooker or instant pot bowl. Add water to cover the lentils up to an inch from the surface.
    Cook for 6 whistles in pressure cooker, and wait for natural release.
    If using instant pot, cook for 25 min on high pressure, wait for natural release.

Making cashew milk/ paste

  • Soak cashews in hot water for 15 min. Blend into a thin paste, with the soaking water and set aside.

Making the dal

  • In a heavy bottom pot, add few tbsp water ( or a spray of avocado oil if using). When hot, add chopped garlic, ginger. As you feel the aroma emanate, add the onions. Saute for 3 min, till onions are translucent
    Then add chopped tomatoes and let them cook till mushy.
    Now add the cooked horse gram into the pot along with any left over water. Mix well.
    Add the spices mentioned above. Adjust salt. Put the lid on and let it cook for 8-10 min on medium heat.
    At this stage, if you want smoother texture, use a hand masher or an immersion blender to get your desired consistency. I left it mostly mashed while leaving some cooked lentils.
    Then add the chopped greens ( use a diverse variety but with good portion of neutral greens like spinach, to balance bitterness of some greens like kale, arugula). Mix all the contents well.
    Simmer for 10 min with lid on.
    Then add the cashew paste. Stir it in well.
  • Serve hot with breads or rice.