by Cherry T.
The strange world that is shelter-in-place has us thinking differently about the way we plan our meals and grocery lists. This got a few of us talking about our favourite dependable shelf-stable meals and I thought I’d share a few of my family’s favourites.
Today’s post is a really easy dal & roti – the ultimate store cupboard meal. This is a simplified version of a recipe I grew up with, tweaked with some new elements from my friend Hari’s method. A tasty, comforting, and vegan meal – awesome with or without the two fresh ingredients (if you want to make it a true store cupboard hit!). I like to get the kids making the roti whilst I make the dal, fun for them and keeps them occupied whilst I heat the spices.
Easy Dal & Roti
For the Dal:
- 1 cup toor dal (also called split yellow pigeon peas. I sometimes use orange lentils which also work great)
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 3 cloves of garlic chopped
- Half an onion finely chopped
- 1tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- 1tsp cumin seeds (optional)
- 1tsp ground cumin
- 1tsp ground coriander
- Pinch of salt to taste
- One tomato chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves for a garnish (optional)
1 – Cook dal as packet instructions, lentils should be soft but not mushy. Set aside.
2 – Heat the oil. Cook garlic till golden brown then add the mustard & cumin seeds until they crackle.
3 – Add the onion till translucent.
4 – Add the ground cumin, coriander, salt & tomatoes.
5- Stir in the cooked dal. Garnish with fresh coriander if using.
For the Roti:
- 2 cups all purpose flour, plus a bit for dusting.
- 2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- A little cold water
- Oil for frying
1 – Combine the ingredients in a bowl, add enough water to form a dry dough.
2 – Divide in half and roll each ball out to about half an inch thick. Alternatively you can make small dumplings by hand which are quicker & easier for the kids to help with.
3 – Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed frying pan, cook the roti covered with a lid, flipping over when golden brown on each side.
4 – Let cool and serve warm with the dal. Enjoy!
Hope you get a chance to try this, would love to hear your thoughts.
Stay safe & best wishes, Cherry
