Gujarati Style Dal

1 cup arhar/tur dal 5 cups water salt to taste 1/2 tsp tumeric 1/2-inch ginger 1 green chili 15 fresh curry leaves 1/8 tsp hing (asafetida), optional 1/4 tsp black mustard seeds 1/4 tsp cumin seeds 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds 2 cardamoms 2 cloves 1/2-inch stick cinnamon 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee 6 tbsp Knorr Hot and Sweet Sauce 1 plum tomato, chopped peanuts, coarsely ground in spice grinder or crushed with rolling pin 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Place dal in bowl, wash under running water. Cover with water, soak 30 minutes. Drain, put dal in heavy bottomed saucepan with 5 cups water, salt and turmeric. Boil over high heat, skim off foam. Reduce heat to medium low, cover partially and cook 30 minutes or until dal is very soft. When done, mash slightly with stirring spoon.

Mince ginger and chili in food processor, transfer to small bowl, adding curry leaves, asafetida (if using), mustard seeds, cumin, fenugreek seeds, whole cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.

Heat oil or ghee in heavy bottomed saucepan over medium high heat. Add mixed ginger asafetida spice mixture, sauté 30 seconds. Add dal, Knorr Hot and Sweet Sauce, tomato and peanuts. Mix, cover and boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook 5 minutes. Mix in fresh coriander and lime juice, serve.

Makes 4 servings.