Comfort lentils (dal) and spicy cauliflower for a cold night

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Comfort lentils (dal) and spicy cauliflower for a cold night

January 3, 2015 by Robin Ellis

Bought a cauliflower this morning. There wasn’t a lot of choice–it’s freezing cold and the local growers’ produce is limited.

What to do with it?

I flick through this cook book and that–then suddenly remember comfort lentils from Delicious Dishes for Diabetics.

COMFORT is the key word.

Outside it’s damp and cold–so comfort food that acts as an interior blanket is just what I need.

I search the index for “cauliflower“.

Aha! Cauliflower with mustard seeds and fennel seeds–inspired by Madhur Jaffrey.

YES!

Double comfort!!

A fire in the grate and the evening holds promise!

COMFORT LENTIL DAL

Rinse thoroughly a pound of red lentils–until the water runs clear.

Add two vegetable stock cubes to a litre of water and bring to the simmer.

Add the lentils.

Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are cooked–about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile chop a medium onion and in a separate pan color it gently in four tablespoons of olive oil .

Then stir in these spices:

One and half teaspoons cumin powder; one teaspoon coriander powder; half teaspoon cayenne powder; and (if you have it) one teaspoon garam masala.

Cook the onion in the spices for a couple of minutes and then stir this mix into the lentils.

Gently reheat the dal.

Check for salt.

Comforting…

CAULIFLOWER with FENNEL and MUSTARD SEEDS

Deconstruct a large cauliflower into bite size pieces.

Heat six tablespoons of olive oil in a pan (large enough to hold the cauliflower in a single layer–more or less–but don’t add the cauliflower yet!).

Add a tablespoon of black mustard seeds and two teaspoons of fennel seeds.

When they start to pop–add three garlic cloves chopped fine.

When they start to color add a quarter teaspoon each of turmeric and cayenne powder.

Cook these briefly to release their aroma–and then stir in the cauliflower pieces.

Turn these thoroughly in the spicy oil and add four tablespoons of warm water.

Add a decent pinch of salt and cook covered until the cauliflower is tender–about 20 minutes.

These two comforting friends make good partners for a chilly winter night.

Meredith, who used to think that cauliflower was a pointless vegetable, had seconds!

Posted in Diabetes, Food, Recipes | Tagged "comfort lentils, Dal, diabetes-friendly, madhur jaffrey, recipe cauliflower, recipe lentils, red lentils, spicy cauliflower, vegetarian | 24 Comments

24 Responses

on January 3, 2015 at 8:00 pm | Reply Judith Brodhead

I love that you call it “deconstructing”! It suggests breaking it apart with fingers as well as a knife, which is perfect.
on January 3, 2015 at 8:54 pm | Reply shawdiane9

HAPPY NEW YEAR Robin 🌹

🍀Shawdiane

>
- on January 3, 2015 at 9:20 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks and the same to you!
on January 3, 2015 at 9:44 pm | Reply Fiona Cortland

Hello, Robin. I found an excellent recipe for whole roasted cauliflower on Purewow,com. I calls for coating the entire head with spices and yoghurt and roasting the whole. It is suggested that this be the “main course” served with salad. It is gorgeous Regards, Fiona Cortland
- on January 4, 2015 at 7:17 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  I thought to do that last night, Fiona, but couldn’t find the recipe–thank you.
- on January 5, 2015 at 8:52 am | Reply Chris Bressey
  
  Thank you so much for this, Fiona. I love roasting vegetables, and this is a wonderful idea. Will make it to day for lunch. Happy New Year!
on January 4, 2015 at 6:06 am | Reply Elaine Adams

Not often does the combination of words “That cauliflower looks amazing” fall from my lips but, wow… that cauliflower looks amazing!
on January 4, 2015 at 12:14 pm | Reply Rachel Lucas- Mozart's Girl

Lovely recipes…I adore cauliflower! As you know, it’s one of Yotam Ottolenghi’s favourite veg too. There’s a stunning recipe for a cauliflower cake in his latest book ‘Plenty More’ which is perfect for lunch with friends, vegetarians or not. I make a simple fresh tomato sauce to go on the side. I’m sure Meredith would have seconds of that, too…and it’s even good cold! Bonnest of annees to you both! Misty and damp in the SE of England…in need of that comfort! X
- on January 4, 2015 at 12:30 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks and the same to you Rachel. I shall search out caulk cake now–good tip.
on January 4, 2015 at 2:01 pm | Reply elaineward

This is just the thing for a bright but cold day real inner warmth. Thanks Robin

Robin I am roving mad just read read in todays Mail on Sunday that they are closing the R.A.F chapel of Saint George at Binning Hill to save £50.000per year and the billons and millions government waste year on year.

Robin did I read somewhere that your dad was in the air force, just thought you might wish to sign the e petition that there is to try and save this beautiful church.
How crass can this be?
Sorry all but my temper is at boiling point .
- on January 4, 2015 at 3:42 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  I’m sorry to hear this Elaine–of course I’ll sign.
  Just signed.
  You are right–compared to the cost of Trident…
  - on January 4, 2015 at 5:58 pm Robin Ellis
    
    Meredith signed the petition too!
on January 4, 2015 at 5:17 pm | Reply Caitriona Hennessy

Hi Robin,

Thank you for posting this great recipe. I am always glad to see the many ways you cook cauliflower, my favourite vegetable. I looked up the recipe Fiona mentioned above and found more cauliflower recipes that look amazing too.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/purewow/7-of-the-best-cauliflower_b_6373906.html

A very happy new year to you and Meredith!
- on January 4, 2015 at 5:36 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Caitriona–can’t have too many caulk recipes!
on January 4, 2015 at 5:21 pm | Reply elaineward

Thanks Robin what is happening twice in one week trying to save beautiful chapels? Last time I looked you seem.to.be a target,must not let it be forgotten,
I told others and they have signed, the more the better.
- on January 4, 2015 at 5:35 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Elaine–Meredith will sign Biggin Hill Chapel appeal too.
on January 4, 2015 at 6:41 pm | Reply Judy Spagnola

perfect for the cooler weather
thank you
on January 5, 2015 at 2:55 pm | Reply paola pascolat

Robin, have you tried to “ripassare”=sauter= in a frying pan some cauliflower already cooked by steam with crushed garlic, olive oil, adding salt and pepper? A very simple side dish in Italy…
Or “all’agro” which is steamed cauliflower with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Just alternatives…
- on January 5, 2015 at 3:33 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  No, but I will–thanks.
on January 7, 2015 at 10:46 pm | Reply Michelle Latt

Hi Robin,

Happy New Year

Excellent recipe and just what the doctor ordered as I still can’t shake this cold and cough. Now settled with an evening with the cats [Biscuit, Rebus and Sam] and a book.

Thank you so much for all these lovely recipes
- on January 8, 2015 at 4:40 pm | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  Thanks Michelle–you are in the right place!
on January 12, 2015 at 6:35 pm | Reply Grace

Snowing lightly in Geneseo, NY. Just made your Comfort Lentils recipe and served with roasted cauliflower. My kitchen smells wonderful and I do feel warm and comfortable!
- on January 13, 2015 at 10:54 am | Reply Robin Ellis
  
  I could do with a plateful this minute!
on January 16, 2015 at 6:26 am | Reply rjmaloney

Just back from Honeoye Falls NY(which is very close to Geneseo NY) for my Mums funeral, so I am ready to make this marvelous meal now. Black mustard seeds are not easy to find but found them at the Good Earth in Fairfax CA. I’ll rate it after I make it.