Dal Nirvana

Adapted from: http://pesto-chango.blogspot.com/2012/01/dal-nirvana.html

Ingredients:
1 cup dry green lentils
1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 cup water
3 tsp. minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
1/2 tsp. ginger spice
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more depending on how spicy you want it)
4 tbsp. earth balance (or butter)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup silk creamer

Add lentils to large pot and cover with a few inches of water. Bring to a boil and let cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the lentils.

Return the drained lentils to the pot (medium heat), and mash some of them against the side of the pot so they open. Add the butter, ginger, garlic, cayenne, and a healthy dose of salt and pepper.

Add the can of tomatoes and one cup of water. Stir it all together, bring it to a simmer then reduce the heat to low. Put a lid on the pot and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. When it's finished, the mixture will be soft and thick. If it's not, continue to simmer (I took the lid off), and add more water if the mixture dries out. The end product should be thick, not watery.

Stir in the cream, check for seasoning, and if desired, garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro. Serve over rice or with naan bread for dipping.

verdict: Pretty good. On first taste it tastes a little bit too much like canned tomatoes, but the spices give it a nice aftertaste.

serving suggestion:

served over rice. possibly with some roasted cauliflower.

nutrition info:

makes 4 servings

for 1 serving:
calories 276
fat 12g
saturated fat 3g
polyunsaturated fat 3g
monounsaturated fat 5g
trans fat 0g
cholesterol 0
sodium 270mg
carbohydrates 29g
sugar 7g
protein 11g
fiber 6
calcium 3%
iron 32%
potassium 0
vitamin A 11%
vitamin C 5%