Lentil Dal

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 2 cups chopped onions
* 3 garlic cloves, minced

* 3 cups water
* 1 cup dried red lentils
* 3/4 teaspoon turmeric
* 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Heat oil in medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup onion and 1 minced garlic clove and sauté until tender and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Set aside. Combine 3 cups water, lentils, remaining 1 cup onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, turmeric, cumin and ginger in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer half of lentil mixture to processor; purée until smooth. Return purée to same saucepan. Mix in sautéed onion mixture. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve over rice. Top with chopped tomato, jalapeño, cilantro if desired.

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user AUTUMNEVE.