Careme

Instructions

Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.

1. 1.

   Prepare the vegetables and aromatics:

   • 12 oz cauliflower, cut into small, 1-inch florets; thinly slice any tender stem.
   • 8 oz Roma tomatoes, finely chopped, keeping their juices.
   • 4 oz yellow onion, finely diced.
   • 2 garlic cloves, minced.
   • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger.

   Keep the cauliflower, tomatoes, and onion separate; the garlic and ginger can share a small bowl.

2. 2.

   Rinse 3/4 cup dry red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs mostly clear, then drain.

3. 3.

   Rinse 1/2 cup dry long-grain white rice and drain. Place in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Cook the curry while the rice cooks and rests.

4. 4.

   Heat 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds. Cover briefly to contain splattering and cook for 30–45 seconds, until fragrant and beginning to pop.

5. 5.

   Add the prepared onion and cook, stirring, for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in the prepared garlic and ginger, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; cook for 30 seconds.

6. 6.

   Add the prepared tomatoes and their juices. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring and pressing them with a spoon, until they begin to break down.

7. 7.

   Stir in the rinsed lentils, 2 1/2 cups water, and 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. 8.

   Fold in the prepared cauliflower. Cover and gently simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the florets are tender and the lentils have broken down into a creamy sauce. If the curry becomes too thick before the cauliflower is tender, stir in 1/4 cup water.

9. 9.

   Fluff the rice and divide between two shallow bowls. Spoon the curry alongside, arranging a few cauliflower florets on top.

Want more detail? See the temperature guide.