How I did it: I have always loved dahl, or Indian lentils.  I used to go out and order just this dish and rice.  At a certain point I realised that it would be terribly easy to just start making it at home!  Turns out, I was right.

I was astonished to learn that there are so many variations on a dish that I love.  I took several that were similar, that had the ingredients that I knew yielded the tastes I love, and went forth.

I went to Whole Foods to find most everything.  In Colorado, it's a challenge to find some of these items since they are looked at as exotic!  After getting all of my ingredients, I went home and went to work.

My first batch was a bit of a disappointment.  I couldn't find ghee, refined butter, so I went with the butter I had.  The results were delicious but fatty.  My second try came out perfect, a little more spicy and without all that grease.  Good ghee made a difference!

Lessons & tips: -Whenever you cook something, buy good ingredients!  I strive to only use organic and local, but we just don't have some of them in Denver!  I was lucky to find ghee at a specialty store here.
-Take your time!  If you aren't in a hurry, then you can really enjoy what you're doing.  What's more, you won't be so stressed and fewer "oops" moments happen.
-Find someone who can give you a second opinion and with whom you can share your food!

Resources: -Whole Food in Cherry Creek
-Cost Plus World Market in Cherry Creek

One of the recipes that I used:
Red Lentil Dahl

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Jul 07, 2009, 11:15AM PDT | 3 comments | 6 cheers