by Cherry T.

The strange world that is shelter-in-place has us thinking differently about the way we plan our meals and grocery lists. This got a few of us talking about our favourite dependable shelf-stable meals and I thought I’d share a few of my family’s favourites.

Today’s post is a really easy dal & roti – the ultimate store cupboard meal. This is a simplified version of a recipe I grew up with, tweaked with some new elements from my friend Hari’s method. A tasty, comforting, and vegan meal – awesome with or without the two fresh ingredients (if you want to make it a true store cupboard hit!). I like to get the kids making the roti whilst I make the dal, fun for them and keeps them occupied whilst I heat the spices.

Easy Dal & Roti

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (also called split yellow pigeon peas. I sometimes use orange lentils which also work great)
• 2 tbsp cooking oil 
• 3 cloves of garlic chopped 
• Half an onion finely chopped
• 1tsp mustard seeds (optional)
• 1tsp cumin seeds (optional)
• 1tsp ground cumin
• 1tsp ground coriander
• Pinch of salt to taste
• One tomato chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves for a garnish (optional)

1 – Cook dal as packet instructions, lentils should be soft but not mushy. Set aside.

2 – Heat the oil. Cook garlic till golden brown then add the mustard & cumin seeds until they crackle. 

3 – Add the onion till translucent. 

4 – Add the ground cumin, coriander, salt & tomatoes.

5- Stir in the cooked dal. Garnish with fresh coriander if using.

For the Roti:

• 2 cups all purpose flour, plus a bit for dusting.
• 2 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• A little cold water
• Oil for frying

1 – Combine the ingredients in a bowl, add enough water to form a dry dough.

2 – Divide in half and roll each ball out to about half an inch thick. Alternatively you can make small dumplings by hand which are quicker & easier for the kids to help with.

3 – Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed frying pan, cook the roti covered with a lid, flipping over when golden brown on each side.

4 – Let cool and serve warm with the dal. Enjoy!

Hope you get a chance to try this, would love to hear your thoughts.

Stay safe & best wishes, Cherry