Ingredients

(serves 6)

Chana dal                      250g

Veg oil                           2tbsp

Cumin seeds                  1tbsp

Onion, Chopped                  1

Ginger, grated               3tbsp

Garlic cloves, grated           2

Tomatoes, chopped            4

Turmeric                     3/4 tsp

Garam masala            3/4 tsp

Coriander                 1 1/2 tsp

Salt & pepper, to taste

Method

1. Place the lentils and 900ml of the water into a pan, stir well and bring to the boil. Skim off any froth that forms on the surface of the water with a spoon. Cover the pan on the pizza stone on the second level with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer, stirring regularly, for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are just tender, adding more water as necessary.

2. When the lentils have cooked through, remove the pan from the heat and use a whisk to break them down. Set the mixture aside to thicken and cool.

3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in another pan over a medium heat on the stone. Add the cumin seeds and fry for 20–30 seconds, or until fragrant.

4. Add the onion, chillies and ginger and fry for 5 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Blend the garlic and tomatoes to a purée in a food processor or equivalent. Add the purée to the pan and stir well to combine.

6. Add the ground spices and 120ml of water to the pan and stir well to combine. Season, to taste, with salt and simmer over a medium heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the oil from the sauce has risen to the surface of the sauce.

7. Add the cooked lentils to the sauce and stir well, adding more water as necessary to loosen the mixture. Bring the mixture to the boil and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the chopped coriander just before serving.

8. Enjoy with freshly made naan or aloo tikki

Written by: Chelsia