Pink lentils (Masoor daal)

Ingredients:

1 cup pink lentils rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped onion

1 zucchini quartered and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 clove garlic crushed

1/2 inch piece of ginger crushed

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black mustard seeds

1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper (optional)

1/8 tsp. red cayenne pepper (optional)

2.5 cups water

Place all the ingredients in a 4 quart pot and mix well.

Cover and cook on medium heat for 25 minutes, stirring gently a couple of times during the cooking process. The lentils should be soft and well done.

Garnish with a few sprigs of chopped cilantro, and serve with brown basmati rice.

Add more water (to desired consistency) if you want to enjoy this daal as a soup.

You can substitute the zucchini with summer squash or 1 cup of cubed butternut squash.

Makes 4 servings.

Organic Pink lentils are available at Whole Foods Market or you may find them at your local co-op.