ChatGPT offered up a “simple” recipe and I suggested we didn’t need simple. This is what I got.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed and soaked for a few hours
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 tomatoes, finely chopped
2 green chilies, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup chopped spinach or kale
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup cashews, toasted
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare Split Peas: After soaking, cook the yellow split peas until tender in a pot of water.
Tempering: In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds. Allow them to splutter.
Aromatics: Add chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
Spice Blend: Add coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir well to coat the onions.
Add Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
Coconut Milk and Yogurt: Pour in coconut milk and yogurt. Stir well to combine. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine with Split Peas: Add the cooked split peas to the mixture. Adjust the consistency with water if needed. Season with salt.
Greens and Herbs: Add chopped spinach or kale, cilantro, and toasted cashews. Mix well and let it simmer until the greens are cooked.
Garnish: Garnish with raisins and a sprinkle of garam masala. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Serve the complex yellow split pea dal with steamed basmati rice or your favorite Indian bread.