Dhaan Shaak

Ingredients

The lentils and Vegetables

• 1/3
  
  cup of green lentils
  
• 1/3
  
  cup of Pui lentils
  
• 1/3
  
  cup of Masoor Dal [skinned and split lentils, which are orange in color]
  
• 2
  
  tablespoons butter
  
• 1 and 1/2
  
  cup finely chopped onions
  
• 1 and 1/2
  
  cup roughly chopped ripe tomatoes
  
• 3/4
  
  cup of peeled and diced calabassa/calabaza squash
  
• 3/4
  
  cup peeled and diced winter melon
  
• 3/4
  
  cup diced Indian or Japanese eggplant
  
• 3/4
  
  cup diced Yukon Gold potatoes
  
• 2
  
  cups [packed] baby spinach leaves
  
• 2-3
  
  cups of water
  

For Dhaan Shaak Masala /Spice paste

• 1
  
  tablespoon coriander seeds
  
• 1/2
  
  tablespoon cumin seeds
  
• 2
  
  dried red chillies, about 2 ” long [Indian variety]
  
• 2
  
  cloves
  
• 2
  
  whole cardamom pods
  
• 1/8
  
  teaspoon cinnamon powder or a couple of hefty pinches
  
• 2
  
  large cloves of garlic
  
• 2
  
  green chillies about 3″ long [Indian variety]
  
• 1/2
  
  tablespoon freshly chopped ginger
  
• 2
  
  tablespoons of cilantro leaves [no stems please]
  
• For
  
  Dry Masala Garnish
  
• 5
  
  whole cardamom
  
• 5
  
  cloves
  
• 5
  
  peppercorns
  
• For
  
  Garnish
  
• 1/4
  
  cup of finely chopped cilantro
  
• For
  
  accompanyment
  
• 
  
  Lemon Wedges
  

Directions

1. Mix all three lentils and soak in warm water for 1/2 an hour. This helps in digestion. Add1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook the soaked lentils in 2 and a 1/2 cups of water till mushy. Add more water or drain excess as the case maybe.
2. Meanwhile make a smooth paste with the 10 ingredients listed under Dhaan Shaak Masala. Add a little water if necessary.
3. Powder the 3 ingredients listed under Dry Masala Garnish
4. While the lentils are cooking, melt the butter and let it brown a little. Add the chopped onions and saute for a couple of minutes. Then add the spice paste/Dhaan Shaak Masala and cook till eveything is bubbling, about a minute or so.Then add the all the vegetables and tomatoes and a teaspoon of salt. Stir well to incorporate and add 1/2 cup of water and let it come to a boil. Set the flame to between low and medium and put a tight fitting lid and let vegetables steam cook for about half an hour or till the potatoes are done but not mushy. Check the vegetables a few times and stir them while cooking so they cook evenly and don’t burn at the bottom. Remember to put the lid back on.
5. When the vegetables are done add the cooked lentils, adjust for salt add 2 cups of water and cook for another 10 minutes till everything is well incoporated. Adjust consistancy, by drying the lentils out if you want it thicker or add more water if you want it runnier. Then add the spinach leaves, roughly chopped. Mix and turn the stove off put the lid back on to rest for 15-20 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro just before serving and serve with lemon wedges and Dry Masala Garnish .
7. The calabassa and winter melon and eggplant [see pictures] are available at Indian and Asian Groceries. You can substitute acorn squash and potatoes for calabassa and squash.
8. Enjoy!