Red Lentils w/ Cabbage and Rice
This is one of my favorite Indian dishes. It’s simple to make, although it takes about 30 – 40 minutes to get the lentil to my desired tenderness so I cook them ahead of time. Once lentils are done, everything else comes together quickly.
1 1/4 cups dry red lentils
5 cups water
1 1/2 t turmeric
2 t cumin seed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 T fresh ginger, minced (or 1 t powder)
1 – 2 jalapeno chili peppers, minced (or canned/bottled)
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 pounds green cabbage, coarsely grated or chopped
Boil water, add lentils, cover, lower heat to medium low and cook until tender. Stir in turmeric and continue to cook on low while preparing vegetables.
Cook cumin seeds in a hot skillet for 3 – 4 minutes until fragrant. (no oil needed) Add onion and saute until it starts to brown. Add garlic and stir 2 more minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, green chilies, ginger, tomatoes and cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is very tender. Stir in cooked lentils. Serve over cooked brown rice.