📖 Instructions

1. First, let's get those garlic cloves roasting. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve about a head of garlic, separating the cloves and removing any loose skins. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil, toss gently, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and soft. You'll know they're ready when you can easily squish a clove with a fork. The smell alone is heavenly!
2. Next up, the dal itself! In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Let them sizzle away for about 30 seconds—you’ll hear them pop! This is where the magic starts to happen.
3. Now, add 1 medium chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, around 5 minutes. Don't be shy with the onion, the more flavor, the better. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder (or more, if you like it spicy!), and a pinch of salt. Sauté for another minute, until fragrant. This is when your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
4. Time to add the star of the show—the lentils! Add 1 cup of yellow lentils (or another type, see FAQ) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the spices. Add 3 cups of water (or vegetable broth, for extra oomph!), bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and easily mashed.
5. Once the lentils are cooked, it’s time for the roasted garlic! Add those beautiful, roasted cloves to the pot, squeezing them out of their skins as you add them. Stir to combine.
6. Now, for the cilantro! Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. If you're like me, this part is messy and I end up with cilantro everywhere. But hey, worth it! Give everything a good stir.
7. Here’s where you can choose your adventure: For a super creamy dal, use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth. If you’re a purist, just use a spoon or fork to gently mash the lentils. It's entirely up to you! Taste it and adjust salt as needed.
8. Finally, garnish and serve! A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a touch of brightness. A sprinkle of more cilantro or even a dollop of plain yogurt (if you’re not vegan) is the perfect way to round it off. Serve hot with rice, naan, or even just a spoon!
9. And there you have it—a beautiful, flavorful, and easy Roasted Garlic and Cilantro Dal! So simple, yet so satisfying. Let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear from you. Did you make any changes? What were your favourite bits? Tell me everything!