Instructions: 1. Put the lentils, turmeric, onion, bay leaf, ginger, curry leaves or parsley, fresh chilli and 1 tablespoon oil in a pan with enough water to cover.

2. Bring to the boil and simmer, covered, over a gentle heat for about 45 minutes until the lentils are cooked.

3. Add a little extra water if the lentils start to stick.

4. Warm the remaining oil and cook the crushed garlic in it until slightly browned.

5. Add the spices and cook a further few minutes.

6. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, heat through, and stir in the cooked lentils. Heat through and bubble over a gentle heat for 10-15 minutes before serving. Dhal variations: add sliced courgettes to dhal, or radishes, mushrooms, cauliflower florets, peas, nuts, okra, green beans or spinach - the variations are endless. Just heat through together and you have a nutritious and delicious meal.

NOTES : Delicately spiced, lentils can be food for the gods. Try this Indian recipe for its beautiful flavour, with or without chillies, according to taste. Then try it mixed with any of the vegetables suggested below, for a delicious meal all out of one bowl - it needs only bread or chapati to go with it.

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