Orange Dal with Ginger and Garlic

2 cups orange lentils
1/4 cup clarified butter
1 large onion, finely diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons pureed garlic
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
2 3/4 cups chicken stock, canned broth, or water
1/8 cup loosely packed neem leaves (if available), or fresh cilantro/coriander or basil
2 tablespoons black mustard seeds

Method

Spread lentils on a cookie sheet and pick out any stones or clumps of dirt. Place in a large bowl and wash under cold, running water until water runs clear, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan. Saute onions with salt and pepper until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add dal and chicken stock or water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, covered, 20 minutes. Just before dal is ready, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet. Add the neem leaves and black mustard seeds and fry until leaves are crisp and seeds are popping, about 1 minute. Stir fried leaves and seeds into dal and serve immediately. Dal keeps well for 2 to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy