Drumstick Leaf Dal with Coconut and Shallots

Ingredients

• Toor dal - 1/4 cup
• Drumstick leaves - 1 whole
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Chili powder - 1 tsp
• Coconut - 1/2 cup
• Cumin seeds (jeera) - 1/4 tsp
• Shallots - 6 whole
• Coconut oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1Rinse the toor dal and place it in a pot with turmeric powder, chili powder and sufficient water; bring it to a boil.
2. 2Once the dal has come to a boil, add the drumstick leaves and salt along with 1 more cup of water, then simmer until the leaves are tender and the dal is cooked through.
3. 3While the dal is cooking, grate the coconut if needed and grind it with the cumin seeds to a smooth paste, then add the coconut paste to the pot and boil for 3 to 4 minutes.
4. 4Heat the coconut oil in a small pan and fry the shallots until they are brown and caramelized, then stir the fried shallots into the dal to add sweetness and texture.
5. 5Taste and adjust the salt, then serve the dal hot with steamed rice.
6. 6Optional: garnish with a squeeze of lemon or a little chopped cilantro before serving.