LEMON LENTILS

Lemon Lentils image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h40m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 medium-size onions, halved and thinly sliced
4 pieces cinnamon stick, each about 2 inches long
2 pounds masoor dal lentils, picked over and washed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
5 cups chicken stock
5 cups hot water
Salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Juice of 1 lemon, plus the squeezed, seeded skin and pulp
1 small onion, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
1 hot green chile, chopped with seeds
4 bay leaves, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

Steps:

Heat 3/4 cup of the oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium-low heat. When hot, add the sliced onions and cook stirring until they soften. Add the cinnamon, lentils, and ginger to the pan and cook, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Add the stock and 5 cups hot water, salt to taste, and cayenne pepper. Bring to the boil, then simmer about 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice and squeezed shell and cook about 50 minutes longer, stirring often. Heat the remaining 1/2 cup oil in a small pan and add the chopped onion, garlic, chile, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring until the onion is browned. Add this mixture, including the oil, to the lentils. Sprinkle with the chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.