Chana Dal (split chickpeas) Goes very well with two cumin rice (recipe below) 2 cups chana dal, picked through 5 cups water (it may seem a bit soupy after it's cooked, but it won't be the next day) 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander 1 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp cayenne 1/2 tsp salt 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced 1-2 tbsp. oil Slow Cooker Method Boil 5 cups water in teakettle. In the small skillet over medium heat, heat the oil (not to smoking) and add first the sliced garlic, briefly sauteeing but not allowing it to brown significantly, then the cumin, coriander and ginger and toss for another few seconds. Put the chana dal in the crock pot, and add the spice/garlic mixture, also the cayenne and salt. When the water boils, add to the crock pot and stir and then cover and set the crock pot to cook for about 7 hours. Salt to taste and serve with sour cream and a variety of hot sauces as condiments. Pressure Cooker Method Put oil and frozen garlic cube(s) into dry open pressure cooker. Heat on high until garlic begins to soften, then turn to medium and cook, stirring, until the garlic is all separated, soft and fragrant. Then add the spices & salt and let bloom for a few seconds. Then add 5 cups water, stir, and add the chana dal. Put lid on and turn the burner to high until steam comes out, then put on the weight and let it come up to temp (showing all 3 lines). Then turn down to medium low and cook for 30 minutes. Shut off the burner and let it cool until you can remove the weight safely. Then you can open the top and serve. NOTE: pressure cooker time is 30 minutes for chana dal =============================================================================== Basmati Rice with Two Cumins Serves 6 Cook rice in the rice cooker normally, adding the seasonings before cooking. If you don't have black cumin seeds (available in Indian markets), substitute regular cumin seeds. Ingredients 2 cups basmati rice 3-3/4 cups water 2 tablespoons oil 1½ teaspoons cumin seed, toasted light brown 1½ teaspoons black cumin seed, also toasted 1 teaspoon salt