Whole Masoor Dal with a coconut base

Ingredients

1/2 a scraped fresh coconut

100g whole masoor dal (washed and drained)

2 cloves garlic

2 onions finely chopped

1 dried red chilli

2 tsp. black masala powder

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. red chilli powder

2 tsp. sunflower oil

2 cups of hot water

Salt to taste

Coriander to garnish

Method

Preparing the coconut base

1. Add the masala powder, turmeric and chilli powder to the scraped coconut.
2. Divide the chopped onions into two portions.
3. Heat up a little oil in a frying pan and add in one portion of chopped onions.
4. When they are brown - add in the coconut and fry turning frequently until coconut is brown.
5. Take this mixture and blend it in a mixer with half a cup of water to form a paste. Keep aside.

Making the dal

1. Heat up the oil in a saucepan and add in the dried red chilli, garlic and onions.
2. When they are brown, add in the dal and two cups of hot water and the salt.
3. Cook on simmer until the dal is soft (this should take about 15 minutes).
4. Now add in the coconut paste and bring the dal to a boil.
5. Garnish with coriander.

Serve hot with rice and yoghurt.