One of my most cherished culinary journeys has been delving into the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. Now, you might be wondering what mustard seeds have to do with this journey. Well, let me share a little story.

Growing up in a Christian environment, I was often told that I could move mountains with faith as small as a mustard seed. At first, I thought it was just a metaphorical expression. But when I started experimenting with Indian cuisine, I realized that even a tiny mustard seed could indeed create a mountain of flavor! This revelation inspired me to create a recipe that would not only burst with taste but also adhere to the requirements of the Daniel Fast. And thus, the Split Green Pea Dal was born.

Split Green Pea Dal Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green split peas
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 green chilis, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the green split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large pot, add the split peas, water, bay leaf, turmeric, and grated ginger.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, until the peas are soft and creamy.
  4. In a separate pan, heat the mustard seeds over medium heat until they start to pop. Be careful as they can pop out of the pan!
  5. Add the chopped chilis and shredded coconut to the pan and stir for another minute.
  6. Stir this mixture into the pot of cooked peas. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  7. Garnish with some more shredded coconut before serving.

Helpful Tips & Serving Suggestions

This Split Green Pea Dal is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side of brown rice or whole-grain flatbread. If you’d like to add some greens, a spinach salad would complement this dish perfectly.

Portion Size & Nutrition Information 

This recipe serves four. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 3 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of protein. Please note that nutritional content can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

And there you have it – a simple, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful dish that meets the requirements of the Daniel Fast. Enjoy this culinary journey to India, and remember, sometimes all it takes is a mustard seed of faith to create something truly delicious!