Healthy Dahl

Serves 5 - 6 

• Ingredients - 2 cups whole green peas, mung beans or urad dahl
• 2 to 3 cups vegetables, chopped (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, sprouts, green beans or asparagus)
• 1/2 Tbsp. ghee or olive oil
• 1 to 2 Tbsp. fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped finely
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 to 3 bay leaves
• 1/8 –1/4 teaspoon each of fennel seed, asafoetida, cinnamon and cardamom
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves chopped
• Garnish : coconut and more chopped coriander leaves

Preparation Method 

Cook beans in 6 cups of water in a large covered saucepan, (adding water as needed) until they become soft. If a smooth soup is desired, Blend the cooked beans and make puree. Set aside. Warm ghee or oil in a soup pot. Add spices. Toss until coated and the aromas emerge. Add chopped vegetables and mix well. Keep stirring for two minutes and then add 4 to 6 cups of water. Mix well and boil. Reduce heat, cover with the lid and simmer until vegetables are cooked. Add cooked beans to the soup pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Stir and boil again. Reduce heat and simmer for five minutes. If thinner consistency is desired, add more water. Note: If this dish is consumed during Pancha Karma Therapy, an additional 5 to 6 tablespoons of oil or ghee should be added for best effects. During this process, greater amount of oleation is required.