WE’RE GOING TO SRI LANKA!!!!!!
Oh, sorry, did I startle you? I’m just so excited I can barely contain it.
So yeah, from March 2nd to the 21st we’ll be exploring this fascinating island and eating all the spicy food and the tropical fruit! We wanted to go somewhere special for our honeymoon and I think we picked the perfect destination. What do you think? Have you been? I want your suggestions!
Since we bought our plane tickets, I’ve been adding chilies and Cayenne to our food to prepare our taste buds to the cultural shock. And I’m sure it’s still nowhere near the fire-inducing Sri Lankan food that awaits us… After all, the cuisine is said to be similar to that of south India, which is mighty spicy. It also and features lots of coconut, so bring it on!
We look forward to taking a cooking class and learning how to make dhal like a local, but until then I’ll just share the yummy recipe I’ve developed over the years and that we both love, Martin and I.
Dhal, also spelled dal or daal, is a very basic and popular dish throughout India and its neighbours. Usually served with rice and flat bread, it makes for a nutritious meal that’s also cheap and easy to make. My friend who lived in New Delhi for a couple of years calls it a poor’s people dish. Which in no case means that it’s not tasty and satisfying! Especially with the addition of leek and sweet potato.
Une photo publiée par Aryane (@valises_et_gourmandises) le
It has a thick soup-like consistency. But I had some lighting problems during the shoot and the rice absorbed most of the liquid. Again, being a blogger ain’t easy! Leftover also tend to thicken up in the fridge and I love to warm them up on the stove with veggie stock and coconut milk. I’m telling you, that’s the stuff.
If you try this recipe, make sure to snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #valisesetgourmandises. I wanna see your creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment below :)
Vegan red lentil dal with sweet potato and leek
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil
- 1 small leek minced
- 3 cloves of garlic crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 small sweet potato diced
- 1 cup split red lentils
- 2.5 cups water
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes or one tomato, diced
- 1.5 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 small dried chilies chopped, or ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to desired heat)
- ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper
- Optional add ins
- A few curry leaves or 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon mango powder
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and let soak in water while you prep the veggies. When ready to start cooking, drain them, give them a good rinse and set aside.
- In a pot on medium-high heat, melt the oil and sauté the garlic and the leek for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, ginger and spices (except the garam masala and the mango powder) and roast for 2 minutes. *If it starts sticking to the botton of the pot, add a bit of water
- Add the sweet potato, the lentils and the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer covered about 15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked through. Add more water if needed.
- Once everything is cooked, add the garam masala and mango powder if using and cook 2 more minutes.
- I like to mash some of the dhal with a potato masher before serving for a thicker consistence.
- Serve on brown rice or with flat bread and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Related recipes
Express vegan lentil curry
It looks so good! I’m gonna have to try it out soon.
I also feel you about the the picture situation. Natural lighting is so hard to capture.
It’s such a satisfying dish! And luckily the sun is slowly starting to show its nose again :)