Khatti dhal

• red split lentils↗430g toor dhal or g
• turmeric↗½ tsp tsp
• large tomatoes↗2

  chopped (better if you remove the skin but not essential)

• ginger↗5cm piece

  peeled and grated

• garlic cloves↗2

  crushed or grated

• green chillies↗2

  chopped (deseeded if you don’t like it very hot)

• tamarind paste2 tbsp tbsp
• hot chilli powder↗1 tsp tsp
• ground coriander↗2 tsp tsp
• ghee↗2 tbsp oil or tbsp

  (or a mixture of oil and unsalted butter)

• cumin seeds↗½ tsp tsp
• garlic cloves↗8

  sliced

• dried chillies↗3

  (I use Kashmiri), roughly broken

• curry leaves↗12

  fresh or frozen (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Soak the toor dhal for about 40 mins, then rinse well. Put it in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan with the turmeric, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and chillies. Add 1.7 litres of water and bring to the boil. Turn the heat down low and cook until you have a thick purée, adding water if it gets too dry. Dhal can be quite soupy or quite thick, depending on how you like it. Simply reduce it to thicken it, or add water to thin it. Season to taste.

2. 2

   When the dhal is at a thickness you like, add the tamarind, chilli powder (unless it’s already hot enough), and the ground coriander and check the seasoning.

3. 3

   Tempering is the last phase for a dhal. Heat the oil or ghee in a frying pan and add the cumin seeds. Cook over a medium heat for about 30 secs, then add the garlic and cook for about 10 secs (the garlic should eventually become golden but not brown so don’t overdo it at this point), then add the dried chillies and the curry leaves, if using. Fry until the dried chillies have changed colour slightly and the curry leaves are crisp. Pour this over the dhal and stir. Cover and leave to sit for a few mins before serving.