Careme

Instructions

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1. 1.

   Cut 3/4 pound cauliflower into bite-size florets and thinly slice the tender stalk. Dice 1/2 pound Roma tomatoes and finely chop 1 small yellow onion (about 4 ounces), keeping them separate. Mince 3 garlic cloves and grate 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.

2. 2.

   Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve. Separately rinse 1/2 cup dry basmati rice until the water runs mostly clear.

3. 3.

   Combine the rinsed rice, 3/4 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon fine table salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 12–15 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Cook the curry while the rice cooks and rests.

4. 4.

   Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Add the prepared garlic and ginger; stir for 30 seconds.

5. 5.

   Add the following spices to the onion mixture:

   • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
   • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

   Stir for 20 seconds, then immediately add the diced tomatoes. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring and crushing them lightly, until juicy and softened.

6. 6.

   Add the rinsed lentils, prepared cauliflower, 2 1/2 cups water and 1 3/8 teaspoons fine table salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and partially cover. Simmer for 18–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have broken down and the cauliflower is tender. If the curry becomes too thick before the lentils soften, add 1/4 cup water.

7. 7.

   Stir 1/2 teaspoon garam masala into the curry and simmer uncovered for 2 minutes. Mash a few cauliflower pieces against the side of the pan to thicken the sauce while leaving most florets intact.

8. 8.

   Fluff the rice and divide between two shallow bowls. Spoon the curry alongside and over the rice, keeping several cauliflower florets visible on top.

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