Daal 

Daal is one of my favorite ways to eat lentils. It’s an Indian dish that can be made with various types of lentils, but most commonly red or yellow split lentils. It comes together quickly and be served as a side or a main dish. Thoroughly sort through lentils and then rinse well until water runs clear. In a pot, add desired amount of lentils (1 cup for 3-4 servings) and cover with about 1 inch of water. If you have cardamom pods, add whole to pot with lentils. Sprinkle in turmeric. Bring to a simmer on medium heat and stir. Then lower to low heat, cover and cook. Check for doneness after about 20-30 minutes. Add a little more water if lentils start to dry out. You can always strain them at the end. When lentils are close to done, they should start to soften and all apart. At that point, heat cooking fat in another pan. Add cumin seeds and finely cut shallot rounds. Let cumin seeds start to become aromatic and shallots soften. After a few minutes, add a little finely grated fresh ginger and minced garlic. Remove cardamom pods from cooked lentils using a slotted spoon. Add your cumin seeds, shallots and oil to the pot with the lentils. Season at the end with lots of salt to taste and fresh lemon juice. Serve topped with fresh cilantro, finely diced red onion, and thick plain yogurt. It’s even great with fresh, diced mango, if you have it.

Everyday Lentil Salad

Thoroughly sort through lentils and then rinse well until water runs clear. In a pot, add desired amount of lentils (1 cup for 3-4 servings) and cover with water. Add whole garlic cloves and a bay leaf, if you have. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. Strain out any excess liquid, and remove whole garlic cloves and bay leaf. Let lentils reach room temperature and then toss in a bowl with Spruce up by dousing with an Herb Salsa, to use up any herbs you have on hand, or Simply Pickled Onions. You can zhush this up with most anything you have on hand -- extra herbs, a citrus dressing or vinaigrette, avocado, other proteins or crunchy vegetables.