spiced tamarind lentils
Author: 
 
Equipment: Medium pot with lid.
Ingredients
  • 3 T. coconut or peanut oil (I used coconut)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • ½ inch cube fresh ginger, peeled and minced (NOTE: I used WAY more than this but that is because my ginger was elderly, which makes it less strong. Use your discretion. I happen to LOVE ginger so I probably used about ¼ c. of elderly ginger! You know to peel it with a spoon, right?)
  • 1 large onion (I used yellow), diced
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • ½ tsp. whole cumin seeds
  • Generous pinch of ground cayenne OR chipotle (adds a touch of smokiness)
  • 1 c. dried lentils, picked over and rinsed
  • 2 c. vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tsp. concentrated tamarind syrup or paste
  • 1 T. maple syrup or agave nectar (I used agave)
  • 2 T. tomato paste
  • ½ tsp. salt
Method
  1. Sauté your aromatics: In your medium pot with lid (use a heavy one if you have it; I used my Staub cocotte) melt the coconut or peanut oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and let it sizzle for 30 seconds (it will smell really goooood.) Add the onion and cook until translucent, soft, and starting to brown (original recipe says 2-3 minutes, but I let it go longer, because I wanted to caramelize a little, say 5-7 minutes).
  2. Bloom your spices: Stir in the garam masala, cumin seeds, and cumin or chipotle, and stir for another 30 seconds or until spices smell fragrant (but not burned). Add the veggie broth and lentils; increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Partially cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. They will be thick, so add a bit more veggie broth towards the end of cooking if you like.
  3. Prepare your flavor boost: While this lentilly magic is happening, in a small bowl, stir together the tamarind, maple syrup or agave, tomato paste, and salt. Once the lentils are done, scrape all the yumminess into the lentils with a rubber spatula. Simmer for another 4-6 minutes, or until the flavor is absorbed; this is a great time to bust out your tasting spoon! Adjust salt if needed, and serve. I served with rice, but with leftovers, I made wraps with hummus, spinach, and lentils. YUM.
Recipe by radish*rose at http://radishrose.net/2015/08/30/spiced-tamarind-lentils/