Cauliflower Dal with Panch Phoran

I found this recipe on the Fat Free Vegan Cooking blog. It's packed full of protein and very hearty. Once again I found my Panch Phoran spices at Findlay Market's Colonel De. Panch phoran (also spelled panch phoron and panch puran) is a Bengali blend of five spices — fenugreek, mustard, kalonji (nigella), fennel, and cumin, in equal amounts.

1 1/2 cups masoor dal or red lentils
4 cups water
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon canola oil (or canola oil spray)
1 tablespoon panch phoran
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or 1 tsp. minced ginger)
16 ounces diced tomatoes (or 1 can)
1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets)
1/2 cup water

Pick over and rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with the water and turmeric. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the dal is tender, about 20 to 35 minutes. When done, add salt and set aside.

While the dal is cooking, chop and cook the vegetables. Heat a large, deep skillet, preferably non-stick. When hot, add the canola oil and shake it to spread it around. Add the panch phoran and stir. (You may instead use oil spray; spray before and after adding the panch phoran.) When the first seed pops, immediately add the onion, garlic, pepper flakes, and ginger paste. Stir and cook until the onion softens, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cauliflower, and water, and stir. Cover and cook until the cauliflower is just tender, about 10 minutes.

When the dal and cauliflower are both done, add the dal to the cauliflower mixture. Stir well, and check seasoning, adding more salt if needed. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve hot, over rice if desired.

Makes about 6 servings. Per serving: 193 Calories (kcal); 1g Total Fat; (4% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 34g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 378mg Sodium; 16g Fiber. Weight Watchers Core (or 3 Flex points).


Copyright 2008 Susan Voisin and Fatfree Vegan Kitchen
blog.fatfreevegan.com
All rights reserved.

Susan, I doubt this blog has any followers. It's just my online recipe tracker. I love the meal!