Gram Dal (Chick Pea Dal)
indian, main dish, vegetarian
1 cup chick peas
2 1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 cup ghee
1 pinch cumin seeds
1 pinch asafetida
1 1/4 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 bay leaf
2 1/2 tablespoon coconut, fresh, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoon raisins
1 1/4 cup green peas
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
Soak chick peas for at least 2 hours. Drain & rinse. Bring to a boil in the water & add the salt & turmeric. Boil hard for 5 minutes & remove any scum that forms on the surface. Reduce heat & simmer until tender. This will take about 1 hour, but it can take longer if your peas are old. When tender, remove from the heat.
Heat ghee in a large pot. Add cumin seeds, asafetida, ginger & bay leaf. Fry for a few seconds, stirring as the spices cook. Add the coconut, raisins & peas. Cook over a medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cooked chick peas, followed by the rest of the ingredients. Simmer for another 15 minutes & serve.
Pranati Sen Gupta, "The Art of Indian Cuisine"
Yield: 4 servings