Creamy Dal with Crispy Onions

Creamy Dal with Crispy Onions

From a book I got from the library- not entirely Indian, I believe. Definitely not Chandra's book.

"Unlike other lentils, red lentils easily cook down to a cream consistency, made all the more easy with a pressure cooker. Dal is colorful, fragrant, and vegetarian friendly. It's also filling, and paired with pita bread and a cucumber salad, you've got a whole meal. Speaking of cucumber salad: Combine 4 thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, 1/4 thinly sliced red onion, juice of 1/2 a lemon, 1 chopped fresh dill spring, and salt and pepper."

2 tablespoons ghee or butter or coconut oil
1/2 onion, finely diced, plus 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 heaping cup peeled and finely diced sweet potato
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
4 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup red lentils, rinsed and picked over
2 roma tomatoes, finely diced
2 cups vegetable broth or water
3 tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup plain yogurt
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving (optional)
Pita bread, for serving.

1. Turn on the Saute function. Once hot, add the ghee followed by the diced onion. Saute for 2 minutes. add the sweet potato, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and pepper flakes. Cook, stirring and scraping the bottom, for 2 minutes. Turn off the Saute function. Add the lentils, tomatoes, and broth and stir. Secure the lid.
2. Cook at high pressure for 10 minutes and use a natural release.
3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the sliced onion in the flour. Once hot, add the onion to the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to fry in two batches. remove to a paper towel to drain and sprinkle with salt.
4. Once the pressure has released, season the dal with salt and pepper and add the yogurt. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk to achieve a creamy texture.
5. Serve tipped with cilantro (if using) and crispy onions and with warm pita on the side for scooping)