Cooking with Ish

Aamti is daal seasoned a little differently… or so I learned at Sujatha’s Kitchen. I was introduced to Kokum – (sun-dried Kokum fruit) that adds a tangy flavor to the daal. After adding the special Goda Masala.… The seasoning is a teaspoon of mustard seeds in hot oil with a pinch hing  and 4-5 curry leaves…..Off course this is in addition to the regular addition of – roasted onions and diced tomatoes

Start with adding mustard seeds, curry leaves and Hing to hot oil….

Mustard seeds & curry leaves

Mustard, curry & turmeric

Add chilly powder

Add onions

Add tomatoes

roast until well blended

Add dal to the seasoning

Add Goda Masala

Add Kokum

Recipe for Aamti

 Daal ( Pink & Yellow lentils)

• 1/2 C Masoor Daal ( pink lentils)
• 1/2 C Mung Daal ( yellow lentils)
• 1/4 tsp tumeric powder
• 1/4 tsp chilly powder
• 1/2 tbsp Goda Masala
• 2-3 Kokum
• 1 tsp Black mustard seeds
• a pinch of Hing ( asofetida)
• 4 -5 curry leaves
• 1 C chopped yellow onions
• 2 1/2 C chopped tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp Chopped Coriander

1. Rinse the daal in water about 4 -5 times ( to get rid of the froth)
2. Soak the daal in water ( for about 15 mins)
3. Put the daal in a heavy bottom 5 quart stockpot
4. Add turmeric, cumin and salt to taste
5. Cook the daal in about 5- 6 Cups of water ( for about 30 mins)
6. Add salt to taste..

Prepare the Seasoning:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp of oil and add mustard seeds, add a pinch of hing and curry leaves
2. After the seeds begin to sputter, add tumeric and chilly powder
3. Add onions and roast them for about 8 – 10 minutes till golden brown
4. Finally add the tomatoes, blend well then cook covered for about 5 mins till tomatoes soften and the juices begin to flow

Add the Seasoning to the cooked daal

Simmer for about 5 minutes , Top it off with Goda Masala, Kokum &  Garnish with chopped coriander………

Tip: I use a pressure cooker to cook daal and the cooking time is reduced to 4- 5 mins..