A Dal to Transition into Fall
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup red lentils soaked and rinsed well
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
3 inches of leek white into green part
cut into half-moons and rinsed well
1/2 tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 Tbl fresh ginger minced
1/4 tsp asafoetida powder
4 Tbl coconut oil divided
Salt to taste
1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
5 cups water
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Coat the butternut squash with 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil
Spread on a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes
Add rinsed lentils, 5 cups of water and cinnamon stick to a 4-quart sauce pan Bring to a boil then lower to simmer for 20 minutes
In a sauté pan heat the rest of the coconut oil
Once hot add the cumin seeds until they pop
Then add the asafoetida and turmeric – quickly heat to aromatic
Lower the heat, add the leek and ginger
Stir to coat and cook to soften the leek and ginger
Once the butternut squash is cooked and lightly brown fold into the red lentils
Add the ginger and leek mixture and fold to blend all of the flavors together
Add salt to taste
Finish with chopped cilantro