Authentic Dhal

Alot of you might not know that im blessed to be part of a punjabi family, so when I went to visit a couple of weeks ago I took the opportunity to nick this fantastic recipe.

Now when you taste proper indian food its worlds apart from what we might get from a takeaway!!

This recipe for dhal is in 2 parts, the lentils and the Turka. The Turka gives amazing flavour and depth and can be used in any dish you might want to make.

So for the lentils

1 full cup of green lentils

1/2 cup black lentils

5 cups water

1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger

1/2 tsp tumeric

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp garam masala ( punjabi is best )

Cook altogether until lentils are soft.

While thats cooking make your Turka

In 2 tbsp oil fry

1/2 tsp cumin seed

1 chopped onion

Brown these then add

8 cloves garlic

1 chopped green chilli

1 tsp fresh ginger

1/2 tsp masala

1/2 tsp cumin powder

Chuck this into your soften lentils and season to taste.

Thanks for letting me take your recipe Pinks!! You are a star

Enjoy!!

Micro herbs in a school???

Just wanted to say a bit about micro herbs and why I use them in a school!!

Micro herbs/Sakura cress are more commonly found in your high end fine dining restaurants and I think that has put chefs in my position off the idea of using them.

Yes the price might seem extravagant but the flavour and colours you get from them are amazing!!

A tray of Sakura cress costs me around £13. Don't get me wrong it is alot for just a garnish but a box will last me for 2 services so around 180 plates.

Now it sounds better, right??

Not only that but it really enhances the look of the dish. As chefs we are always taught you eat with your eyes first.

If you get chance to get some of these bad boys grab them!! Its not as expensive as you think!!

More Awards Ceremonies!!!

Well it was our annual company conference Friday 15th November which gives us employees chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Along with it is the awards, from manager of the year to the new addition this year of "comedy moment". Our company awards night has always been a good evening, and this year was no exception.

So my team picked up a silver award for our in house audits and I picked up a special recognition award.

Massive thanks to everyone involved in making the night a good one for us all and welldone to everyone that picked up a highly sort after award!!

Almost forgot we are in the educatering magazine this month page 62!!