You can use a variety of additions to this recipe. Spinach, Chick Peas or regular Potatoes can all be added as well as a sprinkle of Coconut. Curry Leaves are an important flavor for this dish. Find them at Asian stores or dried in the spice aisle. You can make this in the Instant Pot, but it cooks fast and easy on the stove also.
Ingredients
Ghee or Neutral Oil
2 cups Red Lentils, rinsed
1 tablespoon Black Mustard Seed
1 large Onion, chopped
2 stalks fresh Curry Leaves, pulled off the stalk or a palmful of Dried Curry Leaves
2 teaspoons Turmeric
1 large Sweet Potato, peeled and chopped
3-4 cups Vegetable Broth
1-2 teaspoons Sea Salt
Instructions
Heat a generous dollop of Ghee in a large pot until very hot
Toss in the Mustard Seeds and fry until they pop 1-2 minutes
Add the Onions (be careful of spattering)
Fry a minute or two until they soften a bit
Add the Curry Leaves and stir and fry 1-2 minutes
Add the Lentils, Broth, Turmeric and Salt
Bring to a boil and add Sweet Potatoes
Turn to low and simmer about 15-20 minutes, stirring often and adding more broth as needed
You want a creamy consistency
Serve over Rice with Chutney as an accompaniment.
Notes
Instant Pot Instructions:
Use the Saute setting and heat the oil or Ghee until hot
Toss in the Mustard Seeds and cook for 30 seconds
Add the Onion and cook for 1 minute
Add the rinsed Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Broth, Salt, Turmeric and Curry Leaves
Give it a good stir then switch the Pot to Manual, close the pressure value and set for 10 minutes
Let pressure come down 5 minutes, then release the valve.
Serve with Chutney and/or simple Yogurt Raita (yogurt with shredded cucumber, crushed garlic and lemon juice)
Recipe by Healthy Mama Cooks at http://www.healthymamacooks.com/lentil-dal-with-sweet-potato/