Alu ko Achhar (Potatoes with Split Peas)

Ingredients:

3 potatoes
110g yellow dried split peas
4 tbsp sesame seeds
1 small cucumber, peeled and cubed
1 large red onion
120ml water
salt, to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp chilli powder
1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 tbsp oil
120g coriander (cilantro), chopped

Method:

The night before add the peas to a large bowl of water and set aside to soak.

The following day, grind the sesame seeds to a paste and set aside. Bring a pan of lightly-salted water to a boil then add the potatoes and cook for about 25 minutes, or until tender. Peel the skins and dice the potatoes. In a separate pan add the split peans and water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender.

Drain the split peas and combine with the potatoes. Stir-in the turmeric, sesame seed paste, lemon juice and chilli powder. Mix thoroughly to combine then add the red onion, green bell pepper and cucumber. Add the water to the mixture a little at a time, until you have an even paste.

Add the oil to a pan and when hot add to the potato and pea mix. Stir to combine thoroughly then turn onto a serving plate and garnish with the coriander leaves. Serve cold with bread to dip.