Careme

Instructions

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

1. 1.

   Peel and finely dice 1/2 medium yellow onion (about 4 oz). Peel and mince 2 garlic cloves, keeping them separate from the onion.

2. 2.

   Trim 1 small cauliflower head, about 1 1/2 lb whole, into small, bite-size florets. Thinly slice the tender stalk, aiming for about 1 lb prepared cauliflower.

3. 3.

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

4. 4.

   Rinse 1/2 cup dry long-grain white rice. Put it in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15–18 minutes, until the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Make the dhal while the rice cooks.

5. 5.

   Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a medium heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon black or brown mustard seeds, cover briefly to contain splattering, and let them pop for 30–60 seconds. Add the prepared onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

6. 6.

   Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the following spices:

   • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
   • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
   • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
   • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

   Cook, stirring, for 20 seconds. Add the rinsed lentils, 1/2 of a well-stirred 13.5-oz can coconut milk, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. 7.

   Fold the prepared cauliflower into the dhal. Cover partially and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are creamy and the cauliflower is tender. If the mixture becomes too thick before the cauliflower is ready, add water 2 tablespoons at a time.

8. 8.

   Stir 1 tablespoon lime juice into the dhal. Fluff the rice and divide it between two shallow bowls. Spoon the coconut dhal alongside, arranging several cauliflower florets on top, and serve.

Want more detail? See the temperature guide.