Serves 2

Approximate cost of ingredients 75p for basic recipe without tinned tomatoes or coconut milk as long as you use the oil and flavourings in this and other dishes regularly.

Ingredients 

• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 mug red lentils
• Heaped teaspoon curry powder
• Other spices to taste e.g. extra chilli, ginger
• Half teaspoon salt
• Half teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon oil or margarine

Method

• Chop onion finely. Fry on a low to medium heat for 5 mins or until the onion is transparent – do not brown. 
• Add the crushed garlic, salt, pepper and spices and fry for 1 more minute, being careful not to brown. Turn down heat or add a teaspoon of water if necessary. 
• Add lentils, and stir for 2 or 3 minutes. 
• Add 3 mugs water (or stock, tinned tomatoes or coconut milk), stir, and slowly bring to the boil. Turn the heat down to just above minimum and cover, stirring every 3 minutes for 20 minutes. 
• If the dahl does not thicken, continue to cook on low. If it is too thick, add more water. 
• Liquidise if wanted. 
• Serve with rice or roti, and curry or steamed vegetables.