For those surviving without ovens.

As an expat from the States, it can be difficult having loved and lost your oven... but there's a plethora of recipes to meet your tastebuds' needs using stovetop, crockpot, and even microwaving methods! This blog will provide recipes spanning from sidedishes to desserts, funky to traditional, and a few things in between. Enjoy!



Monday, December 13, 2010

Red Lentil Curry

2 cups red lentils, or whatever lentils you have.
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ginger root, minced
1 (14.25 ounce) can tomato sauce

Directions
1.Wash the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear (this is very important or the lentils will get "scummy"), put the lentils in a pot with water to cover and simmer covered until lentils tender.(add more water if necessary).
2.While the lentils are cooking: In a large skillet or saucepan, caramelize the onions in vegetable oil.
3.While the onions are cooking,combine the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a mixing bowl. Mix well. When the onions are cooked, add the curry mixture to the onions and cook over a high heat stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
4.Stir in the tomato sauce and reduce heat, allow the curry base to simmer until the lentils are ready.
5.When the lentils are tender drain them briefly (they should have absorbed most of the water but you don't want the curry to be too sloppy). Mix the curry base into the lentils and serve immediately.

courtesy allrecipes.com

A couple suggestions: add 1-2 Tablespoons of butter to get a little cremier texture.
Simmer the spices in a little oil before adding to onions... it brings out the flavor!
... again, you can find most of the spices and lentils in the Asia Marts.
Also, try cooking your lentils in a crockpot on low for minimum of 4 hours, then add the curry base/onions before serving. :)

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