Red Lentils with Onion, Garlic and Green Chillies
sunflower oil, as needed
2 onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
7 ounces red lentils
5 cups water, divided
4 to 6 small fresh green chillies, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
salt, to taste
1. Heat the oil in a pan and gently saute the onions until they are translucent. Add garlic to the onions and keep on frying, Do not allow the garlic to brown, it will make the lentils taste bitter.
2. Add the lentil to the onions and saute gently for 2 minutes. Add 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Add chilies and spices.
3. Let the lentils cook on a low heat until they are tender. Make sure there is enough water in the pan to keep the lentils from catching on the bottom of the pan.
4. When the lentils are cooked, add another 1 cup water and bring to a rapid boil and reduce this liquid down. Add salt, to taste. The lentils are cooked when the extra liquid has been reduced and the lentils have a creamy appearance.
SO HOW'D IT GO?
I used cayenne pepper instead of chillies and used curry instead of the rest of the spices, though I did add whole cumin seeds. I also added about 2 tsp of sugar, I find curry tastes even better with a hint of sweetness.
I served it with a bit of vegan parmesan cheese, which made it really good.