Chard Dal - my farm fresh produce version of an Indian classic

The first dish anyone learning Indian cooking usually learns is making dal - a lentil dish which provides the protein for many vegetarians.

The fresh chard from the farm produce inspired me to add it to the dal - for a new twist on an old classic.

Ingredients

2 cloves garlic - finely chopped

1 spring onion - green part kept separate

1 chard - stalks removed and cut into thin strips

1 tbsp ginger

1 tbsp cumin seeds

1 tomato finely chopped

2 finely chopped green chillies

1-1.25 cups masoor dal (pink split lentils)

Method

• Cook lentils in instant pot ( I cook for 25 mins high pressure)

• In a pan, add 1-2 tbsp oil., fry ginger and white part of onion for about 5 mins.

• Add green chillies and green part of onions. Fry for 2 minutes.

• Add chilli powder, turmeric and coriander powder to taste and fry for about 30 seconds.

• Add tomato and when tomato is almost cooked, add chard. Cook for about 7-8 minutes and then add to dal.

• Add salt and water to preference. Boil. 

• Heat 1 tbsp ghee, add cumin seeds, garlic and when garlic browns , add 1 dried red chilly broken.

• Add onto dal, ground fresh black pepper and a pinch of lemon juice.