Another gem from my mother-in-law's kitchen- full of proteins, vitamins and the necessary carbohydrates. My number one comfort food ! Makes me feel healthy and happy. - Mona

Servings: 4- 6

Ingredients:


Core Spices and Flavorings-
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 inch chopped ginger root
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
salt to taste

Secondary spices and Flavorings-
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Other Ingredients-
1 cup rice
1/2 onion chopped fine
4 cups water
1 tbs vegetable oil
1 medium sized potato chopped into small pieces
1 cup lentils (yellow dal)
1 cup frozen or fresh vegetables (beans, carrots, peas)
1/2 chopped cauliflower
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 tsp butter (optional)


Directions:

Heat oil and add the cumin seeds.

When the seeds are spluttering add the onions, ginger and garlic and stir fry until the onions are slightly brown.

Stir in the dal and potatoes and cook for a minute.

Throw in the rest of the vegetable, tomato paste and all the spices and salt and mix well.

Now add the rice and the water bring to a boil and cover and cook on medium to low heat until all the vegetables and rice are cooked and water evaporates.

Serve mixing the rice with a dollop of butter.

This is a great dish to serve from a nutrional point of view as it contains the proteins from the lentils, vitamins from the vegetables and carbohydrates from the rice and potatoes. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach and brocolli. It is a meal in a single dish and is very comforting when served hot on a cold or rainy day. It can also be eaten with plain yoghurt.