Red Lentil Curry with Spiced Rice

Directions

1. For the curry:
2. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the cumin and coriander seeds. Toast them in the dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Crush the seeds a bit with a mortar and pestle. (Or, place the spices in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.)
3. Add the garam masala, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, jalapeno and tomato paste and mash together, or pulse in a small food processor.
4. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or stock pot. Add the onion and sauté about 5 minutes, until softened and just beginning to brown.
5. Add the spice mixture and cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Pour in the tomatoes with their juices and stir, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
7. Add the almond milk and cornstarch to a jar or container with a lid and shake until combined. Pour the mixture and the water into the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Stir in the lentils. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer 35-45 minutes until tender. Add more water if the pot ever seems too dry.
9. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook 2-3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with cooked rice.

1. Spiced Rice
2. Combine the saffron and the water and let the mixture stand about 5 minutes so that the saffron can “bloom” (it’s ready when the water becomes yellowish).
3. Meanwhile, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the seeds. Toast in the dry pan for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine all ingredients and prepare the rice according to package instructions. (I throw it all in the rice cooker but the stovetop works too!) Fluff with a fork and serve.