Carrot and Dal Salad
Photo: Iain Bagwell
This playful nod to Indian dal (legume curry) is perfect at room temperature for a picnic or office lunch, but also great alongside roasted lamb chops for dinner. It tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Yellow split peas look especially pretty here.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Put split peas and bay leaf in a small saucepan with water to cover by 1 in. (1 1/2 in. for lentils). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until just tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, curry powder, and 1 tsp. salt. Whisk in oil; stir in carrots.
Step 3
3
Drain peas and stir into carrot mixture. Let cool at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, for carrots to soften a bit.
Step 4
4
Stir in cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with about 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Serve warm or cool.
Step 5
5
*Find yellow split peas (not the same as Indian chana dal, which looks similar but is split chickpeas) and black beluga lentils at well-stocked grocery stores.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.
Step 7
7
Wine pairing: A bright, aromatic pink like Cypher 2014 "Pistil" Eclectic Rosé (Paso Robles; $24). The wine's spice makes the curry pop; its citrus meets lime in the salad. --Sara Schneider
Ingredients
1 cup yellow split peas* or black beluga lentils, sorted from any debris and rinsed
1 bay leaf
3 tablespoons lime juice
3/4 teaspoon Madras curry powder
About 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 1/2 cups peeled, very thinly sliced rainbow carrots (from 1 1/2 lbs. with tops)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup coarsely chopped green onions
About 1/4 tsp. pepper
Directions
Step 1
1
Put split peas and bay leaf in a small saucepan with water to cover by 1 in. (1 1/2 in. for lentils). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until just tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
Step 2
2
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, curry powder, and 1 tsp. salt. Whisk in oil; stir in carrots.
Step 3
3
Drain peas and stir into carrot mixture. Let cool at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, for carrots to soften a bit.
Step 4
4
Stir in cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with about 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Serve warm or cool.
Step 5
5
*Find yellow split peas (not the same as Indian chana dal, which looks similar but is split chickpeas) and black beluga lentils at well-stocked grocery stores.
Step 6
6
Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.
Step 7
7
Wine pairing: A bright, aromatic pink like Cypher 2014 "Pistil" Eclectic Rosé (Paso Robles; $24). The wine's spice makes the curry pop; its citrus meets lime in the salad. --Sara Schneider
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