Coconut Dhal

I really like the dhal recipe we usually make but like most things, it gets a bit boring when eaten over and over again so I thought I would try something different this time. Again this is a recipe based on one in April's Cook Vegetarian.

For 4 portions you need:
225g red lentils
1 400g can coconut milk
1 sachet coconut cream
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 inch piece of ginger, grated
2 tsp curry powder
4 whole dried chillies
1 tsp dried chilli flakes
2 tsp ground corriander
2 tsp ground cumin

Place everything bar the spices and onions in a pan and add 750ml water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 30 mins till the lentils are cooked. Meanwhile gently fry the onions in some butter (use oil if you want it vegan). Add the spices to the onions and warm though. Add to the lentils along with the chillies and mix well. Serve with the spiced potato cakes and a fried egg. Or roti. Or rice. Or as a sandwich filling. Or add more water/coconut milk and turn into a soup.