An Indian thali is always incomplete without a bowl of lentils. While there is the process of boiling is the same everywhere, but what makes it different from region to region is the way of tempering. Many people add vegetables while boiling the lentils, which is healthier and also a quick-cooking option. Here is a different take on your regular lentil, pairing it with sun-dried jackfruit seeds, which is also one of the popular preparations in Assam. The rich and gluey flavour of the black lentil enhanced by the sweet-nutty notes of the jackfruit seeds will give a fresh twist to your regular meal. Try this well-balanced, simple and vegetarian preparation for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:
Jackfruit seeds: 10-12 (Keep the Jackfruit seeds under sunlight after removing from the fruit for a week)
Black lentil: 1 cup (Soak in water for 30 minutes)
Tomatoes: 2 (Chopped)
Onion: Half of a small-sized onion, chopped
Garlic: 5-6 cloves (Rough ground)
Green chillies: 1-2 (Chopped)
Dry red chillies: 1-2
Cumin seeds: Half teaspoon
Turmeric powder: As required
Salt: As per taste
Coriander leaves: A handful (Chopped)
Ghee (clarified butter): 2 tablespoons

Preparation: 30-40 minutes, serves 4-5 persons.

Step 1: Peel the outer skin of the Jackfruit seeds and roughly chop them. Wash the lentils and put them in a pressure cooker, add the jackfruit seeds and add approx 3 cups of water. Add salt as per taste and about half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Lock the cooker and let it cook in medium flame for 8-10 minutes. After 4-5 whistles turn the gas off and let the steam go out.

Step 2: For tempering, heat a pan or kadhai and add 1-2 tablespoons of ghee. As soon as the ghee is hot add cumin seeds and dry red chillies followed by the ground garlic and chopped onion. Stir it for a minute and add the chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and turmeric powder if needed. Add green chillies and fry the spices for 1-2 minutes on medium to low flame.

Step 3: Once the tomatoes become tender and the spice is separated from the oil add the boiled lentils. Bring it to a boil. Check the thickness, if required add some hot water. Simmer it for a minute and add chopped coriander leaves. Turn the gas off, you can add some more ghee over it for fragrance.

Enjoy this simple black lentil with jackfruit seeds hot with rice, chapatis or naans.

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