Aromatic Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Dal

1. Cook the Onions

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and begins to turn golden. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Toast the Spices

Once the onion is ready, add the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices toast in the oil for about a minute, stirring frequently.

3. Add Sweet Potatoes and Lentils

Next, stir in the diced sweet potatoes and red lentils, ensuring they are well-coated with the spices and onion mixture.

4. Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Allow the dal to cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.

5. Add Coconut Milk

When the sweet potatoes and lentils have softened, add the coconut milk and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Finish and Season

Once the dal has reached your desired consistency, stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste.

7. Serve and Garnish

Serve the dal hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. It pairs perfectly with rice or warm naan bread.