Trinidadian Dal

It seemed that a pot of dal was always simmering on a back burner of my father’s stove. For him, it was the equivalent of fast food because paired with the also-ever-present pot of white rice, it was a quick, hearty, and nourishing meal. Thus dal and rice is one of my first taste-memories. I recall standing by my father’s side with my mouth wide open like a baby bird waiting to taste what was on his plate. He often ate with his hands in the traditional Indian way. Using his fingers as a sco