Daal Makani is one of the simplest dishes in Indian cuisine. I love it very much. When I test a new Indian restaurant, I normally order simple and basic dishes like Dal to assess the quality of the kitchen. A chef, that can cook the simplest dishes properly shows his or her capability without any doubt to me. This Indian dish shows, that simplicity is greatness, when it's done perfectly. It took me a couple of years to cook Dal Makani in a way I was completely satisfied with it, and it was worth the time.

You may eat Dal Makani with basmati rice or naan bread or even both.

• Half a cup of black lentils
• Half a cup of (wholegrain) basmati rice
• a handful of chopped coriander
• a chili or some chili oil to taste
• a small slice of vegan butter
• some classical Dal Makani spice mix
• some naan bread, if you like

• Wash the rice and the lentils, and let them drip dry.

• To cook this dish in an elegant way, use two smaller pots. Heat one cup of water in each.
• Put the lentils and the rice into each pot and let them cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Stir from time to time.
• Add the spice mix after 15 minutes.
• Add the vegan butter 2 minutes before serving and stir again, until the vegan butter has melted.
• Heat or bake the naan bread in the oven.
• After 30 minutes of cooking on low heat, put the the basmati rice and the black lentils into a classic Indian bowl each to serve.
• Add some chili or chili oil to taste over the Dal Makani.
• Garnish the black lentils with the chopped coriander.

If you choose regular basmati rice, the cooking time will be 15 minutes only.

This recipe is good for two persons. It might be suitable for one really hungry person.

Enjoy!