Chinese Lentil Bowl

Ingredients

• 300 gbrown lentils
• 1onion
• 2tomatoes
• 2 tbspoil
• 1 tspcumin
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Rinse 300 g of brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Dice 1 onion and 2 tomatoes into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and blend well with the lentils. Set these aside, ready for cooking.
2. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This should take about 5 minutes, and the onion should not brown, as we want a sweet, mellow base.
3. Add 1 tsp of cumin to the softened onions. Stir the mixture for about a minute until the cumin releases its aroma, infusing the oil and onions with its warm, earthy scent. This step is crucial for developing the dish's flavor.
4. Add the rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients, ensuring the lentils are well-coated with the oil and spices. Pour in enough water to cover the lentils by about 2 cm, which helps them cook evenly.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the lentils cook until they are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be soft but not mushy, and the tomatoes should have broken down to create a thick sauce.
6. Once the lentils are cooked to the desired texture, season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, remembering that the flavors should be balanced and harmonious.
7. Serve the Chinese Lentil Bowl warm, ideally in a communal dish for sharing. The lentils should be creamy and flavorful, with the cumin and tomatoes providing a rich, aromatic backdrop.