Ingredients

4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

1-inch piece ginger, peeled and chopped fine

1 small yellow onion, peeled and sliced thin

1 small hot, fresh chili, washed and chopped fine

¼ teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed

10-12 curry leaves

1 cup Indian red lentils

Salt

8 eggs

½ cup plain, whole-fat yogurt

Cilantro, for garnish

Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Set a medium pot with ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add ginger, onion, chili and coriander seeds. Once onion softens, about 2 minutes, add curry leaves. Sauté until leaves are a bit crispy, about 4 minutes.

  2. Pour lentils and 3 cups water into pot. Season with a pinch of salt. Increase heat to high and bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Stir dal occasionally to avoid sticking. Cook until lentils are soft, 15-20 minutes, and dal has risotto-like consistency.

  3. Meanwhile, prepare poached eggs. Bring a small pot with 2 inches of water to a boil. Reduce heat to low. When water is almost still, crack 2 eggs into two ramekins and gently slide each into the hot water. Let eggs sit, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes. Carefully remove eggs with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Bring water back up to a boil and repeat with remaining eggs.

  4. Spoon dal into four shallow bowls. Top each serving with 2 poached eggs, a dollop of yogurt and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.