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Sri Lankan Dal Curry | Parippu | Red Lentil Dal With Coconut Milk

Name: Sri Lankan Dal Curry | Parippu | Red Lentil Dal With Coconut Milk
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6-8
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Ingredients: 380 g red lentils; 945 ml cold water; 2 tsp Sri Lankan Unroasted Curry Powder; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp chilli powder; 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds; 2 tsp salt; 236 ml coconut milk; 4 tbsp oil; 2 shallots; 3 cloves garlic; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 20 curry leaves; 4-5 dried red chillies; 1 tsp chilli powder

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Prep: 5 min

Cook: 25 min

Dal curry or Parippu is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made with red lentils, coconut milk, curry leaves and a delicious blend of spices. Its warm, creamy and bursting full of flavour, this is comfort food at its best.

Ingredients

For the Lentils

380 g

red lentils, (2 cups)

945 ml

cold water, (4 cups)

2 tsp

Sri Lankan Unroasted Curry Powder, (see notes)

1/2 tsp

ground turmeric

1 tsp

chilli powder, or to taste

1/2 tsp

fenugreek seeds

2 tsp

salt, or to taste

236 ml

coconut milk , (1 cup)

For Tempering

4 tbsp

oil

shallots, sliced

3 cloves

garlic, sliced

1 tsp

cumin seeds

curry leaves

4-5

dried red chillies, deseeded

1 tsp

chilli powder

Method

1. Place lentils in a sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water
2. Add the lentils, water, curry powder, turmeric, chilli powder, fenugreek seeds and salt to a large pot and cook on a medium low heat for 25-30 minutes or until the dal is soft and mushy and has the consistency of a thick soup. Stir a few times in between to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the lentils are ready, pour in the coconut milk, bring to the boil, then remove from the heat and set aside.
4. For tempering, heat oil in small kadai or pan over a medium low heat. Add the onions and cook for 10-12 minutes or until they are light golden brown.
5. Next add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until the garlic just starts to colour.
6. Then add the curry leaves and dried chillies and fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
7. Finally stir in the chilli powder. Pour over the cooked dal, stir through then serve immediately with rice and salad.

Notes

Unroasted Sri Lankan Curry Powder - either buy a store bought variety or just as easily make it at home:
1 tsp coriander seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 inch piece cinnamon stick
Grind the whole spices to fine powder using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder (note: the quantities here will make the amount you need for this recipe).

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