Trinidadian Dhal

by Mustafa Mannan March 09, 2021

Trinidadian Dhal

Dhal is a simple recipe and a stand-out dish. It is a favorite in almost every Trinidadian household. It can be sipped like a tea, served as a side with rice, the possibilities are endless.

There are many variations of the dish, mainly a thicker version and a more liquid version. This depends on the amount of water used to cook down the split pea. It is easiest to just cook the split peas with less water and add more water if you prefer it more liquid.

This is one of the best dishes to enjoy with Trini Pepper Sauce because it completely changes the flavor profile. Try dabbing a few drops into your soup right before eating. Amazing!

Ingredients

1 cup split peas (yellow or green)
4 cups water
1 tsp tumeric
1/4 tsp geera (or cumin)
4 cloves garlic
1 small onion
2 & 1/2 Tbsp oil
2 tsp salt

Directions

Wash split peas. Bring water to a rapid boil and add split peas, 2 garlic cloves, turmeric, onion, salt.
Lower heat to medium and allow to cook for about 45 mins or cook until the peas become very tender and have the consistency of a thick soup.
Place saucepan on medium high, add oil and allow to heat. Place minced garlic and geera in pot and allow to turn very deep brown in color. Remove from heat.
Strain oil into the cooked split peas and stir. Add salt to taste.