Looks like the blog is up today. Gasp! I better knock-on-wood now. There has been so many issues lately, but it looks like everything is fine so far. If you had issues earlier, I apologize for it.
Perhaps I can treat you to an ice cream? Hmm?
Let’s talk Lentils. From moong dal (yellow lentils) to split peas, we often indulge in different lentils every week. Surprisingly, it took me all this while to post a recipe, especially since I am married to a guy who LOVES his dose of lentils & fenugreek deliciousness. Seeds are not enough to satiate long-time favorite foods.
Fenugreek leaves are so tender and bursting with flavors. Source out fresh fenugreek leaves from your local Indian grocery or specialty food stores. They would most definitely have fresh fenugreek leaves. I guess dried leaves would work, but nothing beats a fresh bunch.
If you really can’t find any, substituting it with fresh spinach leaves is definitely permissible. I’ve made lentils with spinach as well, and guarantee it would taste as good.
The word “guarantee” is loosely quoted over here. Please don’t sue me over it.
If you love lentils as much as we do (or even more!), investing in a pressure cooker is definitely worth the effort, time and price. I don’t use canned beans. It’s expensive, overly processed and the list of ingredients are often difficult to pronounce. I am not suggesting every can is contaminated and dangerous to consume. But for a huge pack of dry lentils at $3.99, we could easily prepare lentils for 10 meals or more.
Not a joke. I don’t kid about $.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup lentils
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- a pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1 tsp ghee
- 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 – 3 red/green chili’s, slit lengthwise
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 5 – 6 curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp toasted ground cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp toasted ground coriander powder
- 1 ripe tomato, chopped
- 3 cups fenugreek/spinach leaves*
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
- **Wash lentils until water runs clear. Add lentils into pressure cooker with 1 cup of water, turmeric powder, salt & a pinch of asafoetida powder.
- Pressure cook lentils for only 1 whistle. Remove pressure cooker from heat and put it aside.
- For tempering, heat a small nonstick skillet on medium. Once hot, add ghee.
- Sprinkle in cumin seeds and allow to sputter for a few seconds before adding chopped onions. Fry till translucent & fragrant.
- Add chili’s, garlic, curry leaves and tomatoes. Mix to combine and cook for 2 minutes or until tomatoes soften.
- Sprinkle in toasted cumin + coriander powder and fenugreek leaves. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Add tempered ingredients into lentils. Drizzle in some lemon juice and mix to combine.
- Best serve hot with crusty bread/chapattis or rice 🙂
*Only pick leaves & tender stems from a bunch of fenugreek. Discard tough stems and roots.
** Cooking time would vary if not using pressure cooker. Suggest pre-soaking lentils to help reduce cooking time.
I’m excited to participate in a month long event aptly named Indian Food Palooza, brought to you by the blogging community to celebrate Indian food and cooks like you + me. Join in the fun.
Off to look into the refrigerator for lunch inspiration. That box of homemade strawberry ice-cream is calling my name. Literally.
Have a happy weekend. What’s your favorite method of enjoying lentils?
Comments on this entry are closed.
A very interesting soup! I bet it tastes gorgeous. I love fenugreek seeds, but I’ve never eaten the fresh leaves…
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa — thanks dear. Fresh leaves are not available everywhere. You can try it with spinach instead 🙂
Gorgeous photo Kiran and I love love daal with methi leaves.
kankana recently posted..Panch Phoron – A must in almost every Bengali kitchen
Kankana — thanks dear 🙂
It looks wonderful Kiran, I am so tempted with your photos. great presentation, which will leave everyone drooling and craving for lentil with fenugreek. I agree dried lentille r economical and healthier, much better!
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..Wheatgrass Juice power punch
Helene — thanks so much dear 🙂
{dreamy sigh…} I just love your photography. That chile perched on top is just gorgeous. Makes me want to go out and buy a lifetime supply of lentils just for this recipe. I’ve never cooked with fresh fenugreek (some chef I am, huh?!!) and would love to. I’m going to swing into our Indian grocery store this weekend.
the wicked noodle recently posted..slow-roasted tomatoes
Kristy — haha, thanks sweetie. You are way too humble! I hope you get to try fresh fenugreek leaves soon.
This dish looks so good! I love lentils… my favorite recipe is an Ethiopian dish, I forget the name… but the way that lentil dish is made is so good and so amazing with injera. About the fenugreek leaves, I do not know where to find any around here. Is the fenugreek seed flavor so much different from the leaves (all I have are the seeds).
Margarita recently posted..Chicken Basil Stir-Fry
Margarita — thanks sweetie. I am intrigued about the Ethiopian dish 🙂
Are there any ethnic Indian stores in your area? You can either use dried fenugreek leaves or 1/2 tsp of the seeds. If you are using the seeds, it won’t impart as much taste in this recipe. But you could always use spinach instead 🙂
So beautiful…the pictures are all amazing. I have been on the lookout for fenugreek (leaves and seeds) for ages, but to no avail. This is just lovely and comforting.
Heather @girlichef recently posted..50 Women Game-Changers (in Food): #38 Darina Allen – Lemon Meringue Pie
Heather — thanks dear. Fresh spinach would work its wonders too!
Kiran, I love lentils, as well as cumin and coriander! This is definitely a soup I would like to make!
Biana | Meal Planning Tips recently posted..Pasta Recipes With Brussels Sprouts, Pancetta, Parmesan Cheese
Biana — thanks and make it soon 🙂
I love lentils and I’m always looking for new recipes. I love the photos and I’m quite envious of those lovely copper pots. Beautiful pictures. GG
Glamorous Glutton recently posted..A Stroll Down Portobello
GG — thanks dear 🙂
Mmm..that looks just wonderful. Never tried this combination, I’m sure the methi perks up the moong fantastically.
Tadka Pasta recently posted..A Piquant Spring Potpourri
TP — thanks, and yes, you should try this combo 🙂
I’m a huge lentil fan. Never heard of Fenugreek leaves, but they sure sounds great per your description. Love your presentation, too. That copper bowl is so pretty! Hope you have a great weekend, Kiran! x
Caroline recently posted..keep coming back. [lemon bars]
Caroline — thank you sweetie. I hope you get to try this recipe!
And now I desperately want to find fresh fenugreek leaves!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Raspberry Lychee Sorbet Served with Champagne (Champagne Floats)
Sylvie — lol, you made me laugh 😀
Such beautiful photos Kiran! Love the props and styling 🙂 I love methi dal. I just made it last week…
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Pomegranate & Rose Cooler
Chinmayie — thanks dear 🙂
Even I luv dal this wayit looks delicious,..:)
NY100 — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
This soup is so beautiful! I’ve never seen a fenugreek leaf in my life, how bad is that? We don’t have an Indian grocery store that I’m aware of – smallish beach area. I wonder if I can grow them myself out back? I’ll look into it because I’d love to make this.
Maureen recently posted..Food Writer Fridays – Greg Henry from SippitySup.com
Maureen — thanks dear. I’ve never cooked or tasted artichokes. I don’t think it’s bad, there’s just too many produce to taste or experiment. Not sure if you can plant it out in the beach area. Keep us posted 🙂
fresh fenugreek flies off the shelf whenever the indian store gets a fresh batch.. and since the store is a bit far… most weeks we miss it .. methi daal has become the onc ein a few months celebration event:) the wait definitely elevates this earthy daal to the levels of creamy tikka masala type dishes:)
love that small pot and the pretty fresh fenugreek leaves.
Richa@HobbyandMore recently posted..Thandai (Spiced Almond Milk) and Thandai Lassi (Yogurt Drink). vegan glutenfree
Richa — its amazing how, many love indulging into fresh meethi 🙂
The daal looks so good:)
Viya S recently posted..Chilled Mango Lassi~Summer Cooler Drink
Viya — thank you!!!
Great minds think alike. Just with my posting of a recipe with lentil, here’s another yummy version. Very nice and spinach is one of the most reasonably priced green veg over here. One bunch at times just cost me about RM1.00 and I will make another lentil dish from your sharing.
Nava — thanks! spinach is quite reasonable here as well.
we are lentil lovers too, have to make dal atleast thrice a week. gorgeous pics, esp the 4th one. im so in love with ur collection of antique copper pots & pans 🙂
Deeps — We all ought to be lentil lovers. Thanks for the compliments, dear 🙂
The soup is really beautifully presented and the colors are so enticing! I love puy lentils in various salads, with spicy vinaigrettes! 🙂
Gourmantine recently posted..Chocolate orange mousse
Gourmantine — I love lentils in soups, but these days have been enjoying it in salads as well 🙂
I love methi leaves wih all my heat and mung with methi is fav combo 🙂
Kulsum — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for sharing similar love 🙂
Such a very beautiful + comforting soup. Glad to see your blog up & running smoothly too!
Marla — thank you so much dear 🙂
A most delicious looking soup…love love lentils! Your pictures are so gorgeous too – makes me want to dive in!
Ina gawne recently posted..SEARED DUCK BREASTS WITH A POMEGRANATE ROSEMARY RED WINE SAUCE
Ina — thanks dear! Just make sure you “dive” in, head first 😉
Confession 1: I cannot cook for nuts, I don’t read the recipes..
Confession 2: Love all the pics, they make me drool 😛
keerthana recently posted..Of Facials, supermarkets and the clown
Keerthana — thanks so much sweetie 😀
Ooh I love fenugreek but have never had fresh fenugreek leaves – need to seek some out! The soup looks amazing.
Katherine — thanks dear!
Kiran,
I could enjoy lentils anytime and fenugreek just takes it a notch up, they are such a fantastic couple!
Gosh! I love your copper containers! Each one of them is super cute and rustic good! Also, that first picture is neat.. You made fenugreek look glam there..
Radhika — oh, thanks a lot for the compliments. I’d love to think dal runs through our DNA 😉
Looks so good!
QT — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
So, so so beautiful! I must find fresh fenugreek!
Liren recently posted..Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake with Almond Streusel
Liren — thanks dear. I hope you are feeling better now 🙂
I adore lentils too! In fact we’re going to have them this coming week but in a vegetarian version of a meat dish! 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Li’l Darlin, Darlinghurst
Lorraine — vegetarian version of a meat dish?!? Lols, bon apetit!!
That soup looks divine Kiran and I just love how you presented it. What a gorgeous shiny bowl! I would love to try your soup. I hope you get all your issues sorted re technology – I can certainly empathise – eight days now and no internet connection – it’s driving me mad!
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Where Are Your Clothes Archie?
Charlie — thanks dear. It’s resolved now and I hope your internet woes are solved as well.
This one’s always been my favourite. What I loved the most was your presentation. Gread job!
Nimsrules recently posted..How to fight plagiarism
Nimsrules — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂
I should try the moong with methi next time I make it.Lovely pics !
Farwin recently posted..Coconut Jaggery filled Crepes with Treacle – Guest Post for Cemplang Cemplung
Farwin — thanks and let me know how it tastes 🙂
This looks incredibly tasty and you’ve inspired me to cook more with lentils. So healthy, too. You know how to tempt!
Jill Colonna recently posted..A Party Macaron to Celebrate Macaron Day. C’est la fête!
Jill — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments! This recipe is so simple and I bet you would be able to pull it off brilliantly 🙂
What a lovely soup! I adore lentils and will want to try them with the flavors you have paired here…delightful!
Magic of Spice recently posted..A Chat with Be Happy and Smoked Sea Salt Baked Sardines
Alisha — thanks dear & and a very Happy Birthday!!
Beautiful dish! I always have difficulty finding Indian ingredients here, but I just learned of another Indian grocery store I should try. I hope I can find fresh fenugreek leaves!
lisaiscooking recently posted..Birbal Kee Khitcheree
Lisa — thanks dear, and I hope you get to cook some delicious Indian foods soon with the discovery of a local store 🙂
Oh your photographs leap off the page. I Love stopping by and reading your posts… so inspiring and one of the loveliest blogs I’ve seen.
I love lentils and feel i should use them more .. so I shall make this recipe later in the week.
Vanessa — thank you so much for the compliments dear. You made my day 🙂
This looks so delicious! Loving everything about it. I am a real fan of lentils in cold weather. They fill you up but don’t make you fat 🙂
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Freckle Cookies
Cass — thanks dear. Being fat or thin isn’t an issue, being HEALTHY overall is what matters 🙂
I LOVE lentils- these look fabulous!
Simply Life recently posted..Vegan Black Bean Burgers on Homemade Rolls: Your Questions Answered
Gina — thank you sweetie 🙂
Aww Kiran what a wonderful dish. I do have hulled moong beans in the pantry and might make your recipe!!
Shulie — thanks dear, let me know how it tastes 🙂
looks so delicious. i usually make toor dal or spinach toor dal, once in a while moong dal. i need to try fenugreek, i loveeeeeeeee methi. question. how come you use 1 cup of water for 3/4 cup of dal? i usually add 3 times the amount of water to 1 cup of dal. just trying to figure out why it is different. 🙂
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Restaurants: The Stanton Social (New York City… Lower East Side)
Honey — thanks dear. I used hulled (chilka) small tiny yellow mung dal. It doesn’t take too much time to cook in comparison to toor 🙂
Wow I have only ever had meethi ka paratha and aloo methi…my experience of eating greens in India has been shamefully scarce….now I am older and wiser and trying to mend my ways err eating habits…using fenugreek to make dal is new to me…trying to imagine the taste…with all that moong dal and ghee I am sure it must be taste divine! Need I mention how nice the photos look? 🙂
Suchi recently posted..Murgh Malai Tikka/ No Spice, Creamy Chicken Kebabs
Suchi — thank you! I didn’t use much ghee so the flavors are definitely heightened by fresh meethi and spices. Try it, you’ll love it 😀
I printed this out – I love the flavors that are coming together in here. Fenugreek is one of those ingredients that deserves more love 🙂
Cher recently posted..Friday Doldrums (Oatmeal-Bulgur Peanut Butter & Jelly Bread)
Cher — thank you so much and please let me know how it tastes 🙂
BTW, did I tell you how much I love your name? 😀
Thanks!
I made a version of this for dinner Monday night & it came out wonderfully. I had to substitute spinach & used a can of crushed tomatoes to add to the stew; some black beluga lentils. Served it over brown basmati (I usually keep some pre-cooked in the fridge).
It was absolutely wonderful- even the fussy eater had 2nds. Definitely is going to show up on our table again.
Cher recently posted..Daring Cooks March ’12 Challenge: Brave The Braise (Port-Braised Beef Short Ribs)
I just can’t get over how lovely your photos are every time I visit. Seriously, you should coffee table book this stuff 🙂 So pretty! Delicious soup as well, I’ve never even had lentils before. Another new food for my ever growing list
Parsley Sage recently posted..Like A Virgin: Guest Post at Comowater!
Parsley Sage — thank you so much for the compliments my dear, you made my day 🙂
Now, go and try lentils. ASAP!
Looks and sounds incredible and loved that cute serving bowl! 🙂
Raks recently posted..MACARONI AND CHEESE (STOVE TOP RECIPE)
Raks — thank you!!!
I’ve never had, nor even seen, fresh fenugreek before, but I’m very intrigued! I may just have to try this with your suggestion of spinach instead, plus a pinch of ground fenugreek since I do have that on hand.
Hannah recently posted..Leftovers
Hannah — thanks dear. And yes, try it with spinach and 1/2 tsp of ground fenugreek 🙂
Mmm, these lentils look amazing. I’m embarrassed to admit that as a long-time cook of Indian dishes, I’ve never used fresh fenugreek. I shall be giving it a try soon, thanks to your yummy blog! 🙂
Andi at The Particular Traveler recently posted..Vegas with Kids
Andi — go and try fenugreek leaves, now 😀
The best lentils I’ve had have been cooked by my Indian friends – nothing I make comes close to tasting as good…..
Lovely photos, and can I have some ice cream too?
Kitchen Butterfly recently posted..Celebrating You – International Women’s Day 2012
KB — thanks dear, and I wish I could get you some ice cream. For reals 🙂
This lentil soup looks incredible. I’ve only bought fresh fenugreek once from the Indian grocery store. Love how delicate the leaves are.
Jeanette recently posted..Strawberry Banana French Toast Casserole Recipe {Secret Recipe Club}
Jeanette — thank you and I’m so glad you’ve bought fenugreek leaves before 🙂
looks great will get some fenu greek leaves
Rebecca — thanks dear 🙂
I sure love those fenugreek leaves!! And the soup looks very tasty.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Spelt Blood Orange Crostata
Angie — thank you!!
Hi Kiran, what beautiful copper pots for your lentil soup-
I don’t know if I can find fresh fenugreek —I’ll have to check at one of our global markets. My favorite red lentil soup is Ethiopian inspired in its spicing. Lentils are so delicious–and full of nutrition.
nancy at good food matters recently posted..Oyster Mushroom filled Crepes
Nancy — thanks and I agree with you on lentils. Super nutritious and packed with deliciousness 🙂
Lentils are a must at my place too. We just love anything with them. This soup looks so healthy and filling. Love the copper pot you have used. Looks beautiful!
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Asmita — thanks a lot my dear, and enjoy on your vacay 🙂
What a wonderful soup you’ve made! here for a first time and love it!
Marina — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliment 🙂
Kiran, what an interesting and scrumptious soup you’ve concocted. I love the ingredient list and would be thrilled to try this sometime. Brava!
Viviane — welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂
The soup looks delicious, love the props 🙂
happyzhangbo-lovingfood recently posted..Decadent Chocolate Babka
Happy — thank you so much dear 🙂
Such a scrumptious soup! And lovely shots too!
Russell — Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂
I have not yet tried lentil soup yet but one day I’ll try. I’ve seen so many lentil recipes that I just need to give it a go. Beautiful pictures as always Kiran!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Zenzai (Red Bean Soup)
Nami — thanks dear. Give lentils a shot 🙂
You even make a bowl of moong soup look so inviting. Great clicks Kiran.
Baker Street recently posted..Oreo Cream Cheese Blondies
Anu — thanks my dear 🙂
This is a favourite in our house! Love your clicks
easyfoodsmith recently posted..CLASSIC SNOW BALL PUDDING (Floating Island Pudding)
EasyFoodSmith — thank you so much!!
Wow love the fenugreek in the lentil soup! Gorgeous photography!
Sara {OneTribeGourmet} recently posted..A Vegetarian Mughlai Feast – Chickpea Byriani with Cumin & Coriander Potato Kebabs – #Indianfoodpalooza
Sara — thank you dear 🙂
We love lentils and always love to find new recipes to enjoy them with!! thanks
vianney recently posted..Arroz con Camarón Seco – Rice with Dried Shrimp
Vianney — you are welcome 🙂
Your photography is amazing! What kind of camera do you use? Do you use a special lens?
Wow!!!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen recently posted..Skillet granola ~ vegan and juice-sweetened
Denise — thanks a lot for the compliments, dear 🙂 I use a Nikon D5000, with either a 90mm or 50mm lens. Nothing fancy.
I am so excited to try this recipe. I am on Weight Watchers and the one thing I don’t see is how many servings this recipe makes. I would consider a serving a cup to a cup and a half. I would really appreciate it if you could even guess at a number. I am very fortunate to have access to many Indian grocers and can’t wait to go on an adventure to try fenugreek!! *fingers crossed that I find it*
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