su-Carrot and Dal Salad Image
Photo: Iain Bagwell
Yields Serves 4 to 6 (makes 4 cups) Total Time 1 hr
AuthorCharlotte March

This playful nod to Indian dal (legume curry) is perfect at room temperature for a picnic or office lunch, but also great alongside roasted lamb chops for dinner. It tastes even better after a night in the fridge. Yellow split peas look especially pretty here.

How to Make It

Step 1
1

Put split peas and bay leaf in a small saucepan with water to cover by 1 in. (1 1/2 in. for lentils). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until just tender, 25 to 35 minutes.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, curry powder, and 1 tsp. salt. Whisk in oil; stir in carrots.

Step 3
3

Drain peas and stir into carrot mixture. Let cool at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, for carrots to soften a bit.

Step 4
4

Stir in cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with about 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Serve warm or cool.

Step 5
5

*Find yellow split peas (not the same as Indian chana dal, which looks similar but is split chickpeas) and black beluga lentils at well-stocked grocery stores.

Step 6
6

Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.

Step 7
7

Wine pairing: A bright, aromatic pink like Cypher 2014 "Pistil" Eclectic Rosé (Paso Robles; $24). The wine's spice makes the curry pop; its citrus meets lime in the salad. --Sara Schneider

Ingredients

 1 cup yellow split peas* or black beluga lentils, sorted from any debris and rinsed
 1 bay leaf
 3 tablespoons lime juice
 3/4 teaspoon Madras curry powder
  About 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
 2 1/2 cups peeled, very thinly sliced rainbow carrots (from 1 1/2 lbs. with tops)
 1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
 1/4 cup coarsely chopped green onions
  About 1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions

Step 1
1

Put split peas and bay leaf in a small saucepan with water to cover by 1 in. (1 1/2 in. for lentils). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until just tender, 25 to 35 minutes.

Step 2
2

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, curry powder, and 1 tsp. salt. Whisk in oil; stir in carrots.

Step 3
3

Drain peas and stir into carrot mixture. Let cool at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, for carrots to soften a bit.

Step 4
4

Stir in cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with about 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper. Serve warm or cool.

Step 5
5

*Find yellow split peas (not the same as Indian chana dal, which looks similar but is split chickpeas) and black beluga lentils at well-stocked grocery stores.

Step 6
6

Make ahead: Up to 1 day, chilled.

Step 7
7

Wine pairing: A bright, aromatic pink like Cypher 2014 "Pistil" Eclectic Rosé (Paso Robles; $24). The wine's spice makes the curry pop; its citrus meets lime in the salad. --Sara Schneider

Carrot and Dal Salad

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