Yellow split pea dhal with cauliflower

This yellow split pea dhal with cauliflower is an interesting variation of thedal tadka. It’s healthy, filling, low-carb, gluten-free, vegan yet still very tasty. Serve it as part of an Indian menu or with rice or naan bread for a quick and easy lunch or supper.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 1234

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow split peas
  • 1 carrot chopped
  • 3 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 pinch of chilli powder or paprika
  • 2 cm piece of ginger chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 star anise
  • salt to taste
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 Tbsp chopped coriander
  • For Tempering:
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 cm ginger chopped
  • 1 red chilli chopped (or ½ tsp chilli flakes)
  • 6-7 curry leaves
  • ½ tsp garam masala powder
  • Juice of half lemon or lime
  • To garnish: coriander leaves

Method
 

  1. Soak the split peas overnight or for minimum 6 hours before cooking.
  2. Put the split peas and water in a heavy-based pan. Bring to the boil, then remove the foam with a slotted spoon. Add the ginger, turmeric, chilli powder bay leaf and star anise, then turn down the heat and gently simmer for 35 minutes.
  3. Add the cauliflower and carrot and cook for another 10 minutes, until tender.
  4. Meanwhile, make the tadka. Put the cumin and mustard seeds in a non-stick frying pan and dry-fry for a minute or until they start popping. Transfer them to a bowl.
  5. Heat the oil in the same frying pan and fry the onion until soft. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli then stir for another minute or so, making sure they don’t burn. Add the curry leaves, toasted cumin & mustard seeds and garam masala. Stir for a few seconds, then turn off the heat.
  6. When the peas and cauliflower are soft, add the tadka mixture and mix well.
  7. Add the tadka to the split pea stew and combine.
  8. Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice, garnished with coriander leaves.

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