Made this last night exactly as written, and it’s delicious. I make Indian food often, and think this recipe is spot on for the American palate. If you like a bit more spice, I suggest upping the spices. I did make one change to the method wherein after the tomatoes are added, the mixture is cooked down until the oil separates from the “paste” as is traditional in Indian cooking. I read all of the comments regarding it being too watery, taking much longer to cook, etc., and found it perfect for the legume called for – black caviar/beluga lentils. It think that the confusion/problem is that people are confusing Urad Dal with Beluga lentils. Urad dal is the in the genus Vigna, a mung BEAN. Beluga lentils are in the genus Lens – a lens shaped seed. Both are legumes, but in terms of cooking times and soaking, the two are not interchangeable. Urad dal needs a soak, and a longer cooking time. Beluga lentils need only a rinse and fairly brief cooking time. Hope that helps. Great recipe! Also, watching home cooking videos as a hobby – you ARE my people!
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Made this last night exactly as written, and it’s delicious. I make Indian food often, and think this recipe is spot on for the American palate. If you like a bit more spice, I suggest upping the spices. I did make one change to the method wherein after the tomatoes are added, the mixture is cooked down until the oil separates from the “paste” as is traditional in Indian cooking. I read all of the comments regarding it being too watery, taking much longer to cook, etc., and found it perfect for the legume called for – black caviar/beluga lentils. It think that the confusion/problem is that people are confusing Urad Dal with Beluga lentils. Urad dal is the in the genus Vigna, a mung BEAN. Beluga lentils are in the genus Lens – a lens shaped seed. Both are legumes, but in terms of cooking times and soaking, the two are not interchangeable. Urad dal needs a soak, and a longer cooking time. Beluga lentils need only a rinse and fairly brief cooking time. Hope that helps. Great recipe! Also, watching home cooking videos as a hobby – you ARE my people!