KValley
05-22-2002, 07:43 AM
It was supposed to be leftover night last night, but I was in the mood to make something, albeit simple- as long as all ingredients were on hand.
So, it was the Garlicky Red Lentil Dal from this month's Inspired Vegetarian. I have to laugh at the descriptor of "Garlicky" though- it calls for only one clove! Being of the "EVERYTHING is better with garlic" planet, I added 4 or 5.
Loved it! It's meant to be an appetizer dip, but was perfectly good as a larger dish. I've never made Dal before (Maureen, my diva of Indian cuisine, where are you!?) and this was just nummers. I warmed up a few whole-wheat tortillas to substitute for chapatis or pita. It was slightly spicy hot, slightly sweet, happily quite garlicky! A definite repeater and something that I would serve as an appetizer dip- really tasty. DH raved, which was happy surprise- wasn't sure how he'd go for the texture.
I also made the Golden Basmati Rice from Moosewood Low-Fat Favorites. Oh, how amazing it smelled as it cooked- onions, cinnamon, cardamom. It need a little something, though- a pinch of cayenne, perhaps. I also regretted being out of golden raisins- it could have used the extra texture and sweetness. Also would added toasted nuts (almonds, pine nuts) and a bit of flat-leaf parsley. It was very good, but the recipe as it stands is a nice template to begin with.
Spinach salad with sesame dressing rounded things out nicely!
So, it was the Garlicky Red Lentil Dal from this month's Inspired Vegetarian. I have to laugh at the descriptor of "Garlicky" though- it calls for only one clove! Being of the "EVERYTHING is better with garlic" planet, I added 4 or 5.
Loved it! It's meant to be an appetizer dip, but was perfectly good as a larger dish. I've never made Dal before (Maureen, my diva of Indian cuisine, where are you!?) and this was just nummers. I warmed up a few whole-wheat tortillas to substitute for chapatis or pita. It was slightly spicy hot, slightly sweet, happily quite garlicky! A definite repeater and something that I would serve as an appetizer dip- really tasty. DH raved, which was happy surprise- wasn't sure how he'd go for the texture.
I also made the Golden Basmati Rice from Moosewood Low-Fat Favorites. Oh, how amazing it smelled as it cooked- onions, cinnamon, cardamom. It need a little something, though- a pinch of cayenne, perhaps. I also regretted being out of golden raisins- it could have used the extra texture and sweetness. Also would added toasted nuts (almonds, pine nuts) and a bit of flat-leaf parsley. It was very good, but the recipe as it stands is a nice template to begin with.
Spinach salad with sesame dressing rounded things out nicely!