Chinese American Style Mixed Lentils

Ingredients

In this Chinese American adaptation of panchmel dal, we incorporate Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques to create a unique fusion dish. The addition of soy sauce and ginger adds a distinct umami flavor, while the use of Chinese spices like star anise and five-spice powder enhances the overall taste profile. The dish is also garnished with fresh cilantro, which is a common ingredient in Chinese American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Panchmel dal, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) mixed lentils (such as red lentils, green lentils, and yellow lentils) 1 cup (200g) mixed lentils (such as red lentils, green lentils, and yellow lentils)
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 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): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, five-spice powder, and star anise to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger with the spices.
5. 5.
   Add the lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
7. 7.
   Stir in the soy sauce and season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove the star anise from the pot.
9. 9.
   Serve the Chinese American Style Mixed Lentils hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
• Star anise — Remove the star anise from the dish before serving to avoid accidentally biting into it.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots.
• Serve with a side of crispy Chinese-style fried noodles for added texture.
• Experiment with different lentil varieties to create your own unique flavor combination.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese American Style Mixed Lentils hot, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Present the Chinese American Style Mixed Lentils in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the lentils to shine through. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing touch.