Aam Dal with a Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Indian Aam Dal is transformed by incorporating ingredients and flavors commonly found in the cuisines of the Islands of the North Atlantic. The addition of mangoes and Scotch bonnet peppers adds a tropical twist to the dish, infusing it with the vibrant flavors of the IONA region. The use of basmati rice as a side enhances the overall experience, providing a perfect accompaniment to the Aam Dal. We alse have the original recipe for Aam dal, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) red lentils 1 cup (200g) red lentils
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until golden brown.
4. 4.
   Add the cumin powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder to the pot and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the red lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. 6.
   Stir in the diced mangoes and chopped Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve the Aam Dal with fluffy basmati rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mango — Choose a ripe mango for the best flavor. Look for a mango that is slightly soft to the touch and has a sweet aroma.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Be cautious when handling Scotch bonnet peppers as they are very spicy. Wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after chopping them to avoid any discomfort.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper or remove the seeds before chopping.
• Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more vegetable broth if desired.
• Serve the Aam Dal with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of tanginess.
• Experiment with different varieties of mangoes to discover unique flavor profiles.
• Leftover Aam Dal can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the Aam Dal with fluffy basmati rice and a side of naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Present the Aam Dal in a vibrant bowl, allowing the colors of the lentils, mangoes, and spices to shine through. Sprinkle some additional chopped cilantro on top for an appealing presentation.