Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hubbard squash dal

Today was a beautiful crisp and sunny Oregon day. Soon enough, the rains will start again. In the spirit of Thanksgiving that is just over, I made a list of things that make winter worthwhile
- Holidays, Walks in the rain with the dogs, Autumn leaves still on the ground, Oranges and Grapefruit, apples and pears, cranberries and winter squashes.

Today's recipe celebrates the Hubbard squash. A very simple stew that showcases the sweet flavor of the squash.

1 c tuvar dal (or use any mild lentil - pink lentils are a good choice)
1/3 of a Hubbard squash
1 or 2 serrano peppers
Ginger ( a piece as big as half your thumb)
6 Curry leaves
A pinch of turmeric
1/4 c thick coconut milk
1 tomato
1/2 lime - juiced.
salt to taste


For the seasoning(vaggarne/.vaghar/tadka)
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
1 clove garlic (chopped)
1/2 tsp cumin powder.

Cook the lentils first. Cover the lentils with about 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until done. You want the lentils to be a little soupy, and may have to add some water to thin as the lentils are cooking.
Peel and chop the squash into uniform pieces. Put in a saucepan and add enough water to cover the pieces. Add the curry leaves, peppers, turmeric and ginger. Cook till the squash is tender about 10 -15 minutes. Add the tomatoes, lentils and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Add the coconut milk and heat through. Add the lime juice. To season the dal, heat the oil in the smallest saucepan you have. ( i have a special one just for this) . When the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Once they crackle add the garlic and the cumin powder.
Pour the hot seasoning over the dal and eat with hot brown rice.









1 comment:

  1. Thank you for that beautiful winter imagery. Winter squashes are one of my favorite things from this time of year too. I don't believe I've eaten a Hubbard squash before, nor seen one here in the grocery stores. Your dal sounds perfect for the cold weather-- I guess it would work with other winter squashes too?

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