Spicy Red Lentils

I have two takes on dal: dull dal and darling dal. Dull dal because a watery, green, bland version was served three times a day at boarding school, which made things a tad tedious. So, needless to say, I was put off it for a while. However, darling dal is one of the most versatile, delicious, nourishing, comforting and affordable dishes in the Indian repertoire, and it is the one by which I judge all restaurants.