I love Indian food for all it’s complexity and possibility. I once had a 10 year visa to India, and planned to spend time in the colorful wildness wandering. . .
I grew up visiting Devon Avenue in Chicago, a street lined with vendors and Indian restaurants; a street that knows no traffic rules and one that is filled with families and colorful saris and savory smells drifting out of every open door and apartment window. My best childhood friend moved there after college and we spent many balmy summer evenings lounging on the wooden park benches watching this street steadily hum by in saturated hues.
The other day was the first CSA week on my husband’s farm, and he came home with an armful of the best thing I had seen in months! Eating mostly seasonally, my appreciation for fresh produce has grown exponentially. This is a rather simple and super delicious meal. I love using red lentils because they are highly nutritious and do not require soaking.
Red Lentil and Carrot Dal:
6-8 Cups of Stock of your choice (or water)
2 Cups of Red Lentils
2-3 Finely Shredded Large Carrots
2-3 tsps of Turmeric to taste
2 tsps of salt or more to taste
1/4 Cup of chopped Cilantro (reserve some for a bright garnish)
1-3 cloves of Green Garlic chopped
1 Tbsp of Coconut Oil
Directions:
Fry the chopped green garlic in the coconut oil until the garlic is slightly softened. Pour the stock or water in and then add the lentils (wash them first until the water runs clear). Cook until lentils are done, approximately 25-30 mins. Then, add the carrots, turmeric, cilantro and salt n pepper to taste. Stir everything in and continue to cook for about 4 minutes until carrots are just cooked.
Raw Beet Raita:
3/4 Cup of Shredded Red Beets
1/2-3/4 cup of Plain yogurt of your choice ( I used COYO coconut milk yogurt)
1/2 tsp of Sea Salt
Directions:
Mix the beets and the yogurt together until creamy and bright magenta! Woohoo! I love this color so much and this rounds out the meal in a beautifully colorful way, while adding the amazing nutritional benefits of beets like iron and keeping us nice and grounded*
Dive in; your body will thank you! XOXO Enjoy!
PS-Low-glycemic cornbread recipe on the way*
thewildandthetamed 