Warming Lentil Dahl

Warming Lentil Dahl
The best Dahl I have made yet. Rich in warming, anti-inflammatory spices, with extra ginger for a kick that heats things up in the best way. This recipe will be sure to warm your belly and nourish your soul on the coldest fall days.

the recipe makes 3-4 servings, double ingredients for more if you wish, this Dahl freezes very well, so if you made too much just save it for a future time.

Ingredients: 
1 medium onion, diced small
2 tbsp butter, ghee or coconut oil
5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 inches ginger, minced (tip: keep ginger frozen, grate as much as you need from frozen instead of mincing)
1 tsp of each: turmeric, cumin, coriander, curry powder or garam masala powder
1 1/2 c red lentils, well rinsed
2 2/3 c veggie broth or bone broth (you can use water if it’s all you have but you will need more salt!)
1 cup canned organic whole peeled tomatoes and their juices
salt and pepper

optional: 1/3 cup coconut cream or organic dairy cream to finish (adds a rich creaminess, but is still delicious without)

minced fresh cilantro or parsley for serving

Method:

1. Heat butter or coconut oil, in a medium pot over medium-low heat, add onion to sauté until translucent, and lightly browned.
2. Add garlic, ginger and dried spices, sauté for another minute, just until fragrant but not enough time to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in lentils, tomatoes and broth. Once everything is at a simmer, lower the heat and keep a low simmer going for about 20 minutes or until lentils are soft, add more broth or water should you need it.
4. Once lentils are fully cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in coconut milk or cream, remove from heat.
5. Serve Dahl over cooked rice, quinoa, roasted veggies, or on its own like a stew. Top with fresh cilantro and dollop of yogurt for some cool contrast.

To get in more greens, you can stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach near the end.
Health Benefits:
Ginger: anti-inflammatory, digestive, very warming.
Turmeric: top anti-inflammatory spice, has cancer fighting, anti-aging, cell damage reversing properties, also warming.
Garlic and Onions: powerful antioxidants, help the body to naturally remove toxins, are powerful immune boosters. Lentils: good source of plant bas