Nigel Barker, from America’s Next Top Model, joined Homemade Live! host Joel Gamoran in his Seattle studio on Season One to prepare Date Night Dinners.
Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
- 8 oz. red lentils (masoor dal)
- 2 cups water
- ¼ teaspoon saffron powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , chopped
- 4 curry leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 roma tomatoes, blanched
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Basmati rice, to serve alongside
- Toasted coconut
- Cinnamon sticks, cardamom seeds, cloves, andor star anise
TO PREPARE
STEP ONE. Wash the lentils well by changing the water at least three times. Boil them in the water with the saffron, chili powder, turmeric, and cumin.
STEP TWO. After about 15 minutes, when the color of the lentils changes from red to yellow, remove from the heat
STEP THREE. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and curry leaves and cook until onion is translucent. Pour in the boiled lentils and mix well.
STEP FOUR. Add the coconut milk, curry powder and salt to taste. Cook for 5 minutes.
STEP FIVE. Add the blanched tomatoes and spinach, cook until the curry begins to boil. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice.
STEP SIX. Prepare rice as directed on package. Add cinnamon sticks, cardamom seeds, cloves, or star anise to rice as it cooks to make aromatic rice. Serve aromatic rice alongide curry.
