The Daniel Fast is a fasting tradition that has been practiced by many for centuries. It traces its roots back to the Bible, when Daniel chose to abstain from certain foods to seek God’s wisdom. This fast typically includes avoiding meat, dairy, and processed food while consuming nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. One of the most popular dishes that has been eaten during this fast is Yellow Lentil Tadka, a staple of Indian cuisine. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dish packed with nutrition and flavor that can be enjoyed by all, no matter what faith or tradition they follow. The vibrant colors in this dish come from turmeric, cumin seeds, and curry leaves – all of which make for a flavorful and beautiful dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Yellow lentils are great to cook when you’re busy because they require minimal preparation and cook in a relatively short amount of time. Unlike other legumes, yellow lentils don’t require any pre-soaking or boiling before cooking and can be cooked directly in spices or diced vegetables. They are high in fiber and protein, making them a nutritious and filling meal that is quick to make. Plus, the flavor of yellow lentils is mild enough to take on the flavors of any seasonings added to them. Cooking yellow lentils can help create a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when time is short but meals still need to be made.
Being pressed for time, while following a unique eating plan often leads people to consume bland, thoughtless meals. That doesn’t have to be your fate. Yellow Lentil Tadka is sure to provide a unique and delicious experience!
Enjoy!
Yellow Lentil Tadka Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, add the lentils and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- 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!
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the mustard seeds and cook until the garlic is golden brown.
- Stir in the tamarind paste, then add this mixture to the pot of cooked lentils. Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Helpful Tips & Serving Suggestions
This Yellow Lentil Tadka is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of brown rice or whole grain flatbread for a complete meal. If you’d like to add some extra heat, consider adding a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.
Portion Size & Nutrition Information
This recipe serves four. Each serving contains approximately 210 calories, 1 gram of fat, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 14 grams of protein. Please note that nutritional content can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
So there you have it, a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that meets the requirements of the Daniel Fast. Enjoy this culinary trip to India and let the unique blend of flavors take your taste buds on a delightful journey!