Meera Sodha’s recipe for moong dal with a garlic and cumin tarka

An unassuming but gorgeous dal, this is nourishing, cheap and comforting home cooking

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This is an unassuming but gorgeous dal and one of my favourite lentil dishes of all time. A gentle and soothing marriage of soft lentils and earthy cumin and chillies, tempered by butter, it’s old-fashioned home cooking at its best: nourishing, cheap to make and comforting.

Serves 4 as part of a main course
moong dal 300g
ghee or unsalted butter 4 tbsp
cumin seeds 1½ tsp
banana shallots 3, finely sliced
green finger chillies 2, very thinly sliced
garlic 5 cloves, crushed
ground turmeric ½ tsp
garam masala 1 tsp
salt 1½ tsp (or to taste)