This lentil dish surprised even me. It was quite simple to make and very tasty - it's sure to please any "dal" lovers in your circle.

You can find masoor dal (one of Bengal's favorite lentils) at Indian or South Pacific markets.

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Masoor dal with eggs

Ingredients

1/2 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)

1 green chile, slit and deseeded

1 onion, chopped

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 tsp. pureed garlic

1/2 tsp. pureed ginger

1 tsp. ground turmeric

1 1/2 cups water.

2 tbsp. mustard oil

1 tsp. ground cumin

2 eggs, lightly beaten

salt to taste.

Instructions

Put lentils, chile, tomato, 1/2 chopped onion, turmeric, garlic, ginger and water in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the lentils are soft.

Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the remaining chopped onions and cumin, stir and fry until golden brown. Add the eggs and stir fry until the eggs are cooked. Add the lentil mixture, mix well, and cook for a few minutes. Serve.

Adapted from a recipe at the Chennai Online website.