New Delhi Chana Dal

Rinse and sort the chana dal. In a large pot, combine the chana dal, coconut milk, curry powder, and 4½ cups water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until the dal are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Chop the tomatoes into 1 inch pieces. Peel and chop the cucumber into 1 inch thick rounds. Halve the lemon. Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber rounds, just 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Peel and thinly slice the garlic. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.

Place a small skillet over medium-low heat with 3 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to toast, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mustard seeds, a pinch of salt, and as many red chile flakes as you’d like and cook until the seeds sizzle, about 1 minute.

Once the dal begins to break down, add the chickpeas and ½ tsp salt and reduce heat to low. Simmer until hot, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Make a 1 inch tear in the top of the quinoa bags and microwave for 1 minute. Divide the quinoa between bowls and top with the chana dal and tarka. Serve with tomato cucumber salad. Enjoy!