Spiced Sweet Potato Red Lentil Dal

Red lentils can cook quickly so they are great to have in your pantry. Add red lentils into soups to enhance the flavor with a nutty sweet taste.

Lentils are also a great source of protein, iron and fiber - a great alternative food for vegetarians. There are also polyphenols in lentils and these are known to be antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective, one benefit being to protect aging brains. So lentils are not only for vegetarians, they are a great food for everybody.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

• 1 medium sweet potato, diced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, chopped

• 1 garlic clove, chopped

• 1 serrano chili, chopped (seeded for mild flavor)

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 2 teaspoon turmeric

• 2 teaspoon curry powder

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 14.5 oz canned chopped tomatoes

• 1 cup red lentils

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• salt to taste

Direction

• In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil and saute onion until softened, then add sweet potatoes and cook for a few minutes.

• Add the ginger, garlic, chili, and spices and saute for a few minutes until the fragrance comes out. Add lentils and sauté, coating with the spices. Add the vegetable broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cook uncovered until the lentils and sweet potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally, about 25-30 minutes.

• Season to taste. Serve with balsamic rice or naan.