Red lentil dal

 This traditional Indian lentil dish is warm and comforting.  Thanks to the lovely Anupy Singla, I have learned that it is possible - easy, in fact - to cook delicious, healthy vegetarian and vegan Indian food in the slow cooker!  This dal is a staple now in my home - I make it at least once a week and enjoy it every time!  To make your own red lentil dal, you will need:

• 1-1 1/2 cups split red lentils
• 1-2 teaspons dal masala (I recommend MDH brand ambhar dal masala; different brands have very different spice combinations and tastes - a masala is a mixture; you can buy this in a huge quantity at pretty much any Indian market for about $1 as well as online, via the link)
• 1-2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2-3 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil (I used coconut, which is particularly delicious with this dal, but olive oil, etc. also works - no need to buy coconut oil specifically for this recipe!)
• Salt to taste
• Cilantro (optional) for garnish.

1. Sort and wash lentils, and add them to the slow cooker along with the spices and oil.
2. Add water so the lentils and water have a volume ratio of approximately 3 or 4 parts water to every one part lentils.
3. Make sure your slow cooker is between 2/3 and 3/4 full, if not, add lentils, etc. accordingly!  (I used a really small 1.5 quart cooker, which is why the volumes of everything here are small).
4. Turn on the cooker and let everything simmer until the lentils have disintegrated.
5. Taste and add more salt if necessary.
6. Garnish with cilantro.
7. Enjoy!

This post is part of Allergy Free Wednesdays.