This super-easy recipe is a perfect canvas for punchy, crunchy toppers like toasted coconut and mustard seeds with turmeric oil and a zingy chutney. The dal is vegan but full of hearty protein thanks to the chickpeas, lentils, and coconut milk. Let the stew sit for a full 12 hours to let all the flavors really meld together, though this step is totally optional. Serve the stew as the centerpiece surrounded by fixings that guests can pick and choose to build their own bowls.
Ingredients
8 servings
Mustard Seed and Turmeric Oil
Cilantro-Raisin Chutney
Stew and Assembly
Mustard Seed and Turmeric Oil
Step 1
Cook oil and mustard seeds in a small saucepan over medium-low, swirling often, until mustard seeds start to pop. Remove from heat and stir in turmeric and cayenne. Season with salt; let cool.
Step 2
Do Ahead:Oil can be made 1 day ahead. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
Cilantro-Raisin Chutney
Step 3
Mix shallot, raisins, cilantro stems, lime juice, and oil in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Do Ahead:Chutney can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
Stew and Assembly
Step 5
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium. Cook onions and garlic, cut side down, and ginger, stirring onions and ginger occasionally, until onions are translucent and garlic is golden brown, 5–7 minutes. Add curry powder and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chickpeas and 5 cups water, stirring to release any bits stuck on bottom of pot; season with several pinches of salt. Bring to a simmer; cover with a lid, leaving slightly askew so steam can escape. Cook, adjusting heat to maintain a very gentle simmer and skimming foam from surface as needed, until chickpeas have swelled about 50 percent in size but are still crunchy, 25–30 minutes.
Step 6
Add coconut milk and lentils to pot; season with more salt. Return to a simmer and cook, partially covered, until chickpeas are tender and lentils have broken down to form a thick broth, 30–35 minutes. Pluck out and discard garlic heads (don't worry about any cloves that may have escaped into stew). Taste and season with more salt if needed. Ladle dal into bowls and serve with toasted Mustard Seed and Turmeric Oil, Cilantro-Raisin Chutney, coconut, chiles, and/or cilantro as desired.
Step 7
Do Ahead:Dal can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.
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