Dal Makhani

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Recipe from Cook Like a Champion

I love Indian flavors.  And so does J.  But this was a dish a bit outside of our normal comfort zone.  The big red flag for J?  No meat!  But I actually think he really liked it. 

This was an extremely simple meal to cook, although you do need about an hour to thicken.  I served it with Naan I picked up at the grocery store.

Ingredients:
1 c dry lentils
1 (14 ou) can crushed tomatoes
1 T fresh grated ginger
1 T minced garlic
1 t cayenne
1 c water
4 T unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 c heavy cream
2 T minced fresh cilantro

Directions:
In a large saucepan, add lentils and enough water to cover by 2 inches.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.  Simmer for about 10 minutes, until lentils are open and tender.  Drain and return to pot.

Stir lentils around pot, using a spoon to smash some of them against the sides.  Add tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cayenne, water, butter, salt and pepper.  Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, until thickened.  Periodically check to make sure water has not cooked out.  If it has, add a bit more water and then cover for remaining cook time.

Stir in cream, garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.