Munch007 - Edinburgh

MUNCH Quorn Foods Culinary Periodical

7

EDINBURGH

INSIDE Breaking new ground for Munch We've crossed a border!

Discover some of the Scottish Capital's food highlights

June 2022 • Issue 7

MUNCH

Quorn Foods Culinary Periodical

Edinburgh is famous for Trainspotting, Harry Potter & the Royal Mile. It also boasts an incredibly established & diverse food scene. Enjoy our recommendations & hope they keep you well fed & watered on your trip to the Scottish capital.

Sophie All design and editorial created in-house by the Quorn Culinary Team unless stipulated.

Please contact culinary@quornfoods.com to feature or feedback.

EDINBURGH EATS INNOVATION CHEF SOPHIE WHYMAN SUGGESTS SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO GRAB A BITE IN THE SCOTTISH CAPITAL SCOTLAND

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A look at some Scottish cuisine classics that are well worth checking out. And of course a little highlight on whisky.

EXPLORING OLD TOWN

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Looking down the side streets from the Royal Mile, top eateries to check out

BEACH DAY

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Portobello is 3 miles from the centre of the city & boasts an inspiring range of food outlets

EDINBURGH FOOD FESTIVAL 10

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CAFFEINE CONCOCTIONS

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Edinburgh has an abundance of great coffee shops to satisfy that caffeine craving & we've highlighted a few favourites.

THE COBBLED ROASTERY Doing things a little differently in the world of coffee, read our spotlight on The Cobbled Roastery & the man behind the machine, Vlad.

AFTER ARTHUR'S

BRISTO SQUARE

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Right outside the university, this little triangle of streets has more than enough tasty options to fill your stomach & a pizza spotlight!

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New Town, branching from Princes Street & beyond, fine dining & vegan pizza

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Tim Westley is hand forging knives up in the Scottish borders a little bit differently to convention, we look at his sustainability story.

I'M QUORN-VERTED

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Fill your belly after hiking Arthurs Seat, including decadent plant based doughnuts

KNIFE SPOTLIGHT

Well worth a visit to the picturesque town of Leith to sample tacos & Michelin starred Scottish fayre

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Tucked away from some of the New town hustle and bustle, we pick some highlights to check out along the cobbles

GEORGIAN PARADISE

Just outside Old Town in George Square, running throughout July 2022 we pick our star vendors

SUNSHINE ON LEITH

THISTLE STREET

Inspired by Tantra's take on different regions of India, we've picked a North Indian staple using lentils, with our own Quorn twist.

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SCOTLAND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HAGGIS, WHISKY & DEEP-FRIED MARS BARS UP HERE! THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO SCOTTISH CUISINE. SOME OF THE BEST PRODUCE IN THE WORLD COMES FROM THIS BONNY LAND AND SHOULD DEFINITELY BE SHOUTED ABOUT AND SAMPLED

Scotland has an abundance of coastline that provides some of the best fish & shellfish that can be found across our whole island! You’ll find hand dived scallops around the west coast and the islands, some incredible langoustines, as well as sustainable salmon. But it doesn’t have to be all about the riches of the coast that can prove to be some of the things that the Scots are best known for.

Cullen Skink – If we’re talking super traditional, it’s made with Finnan Haddie (A cold green & peat-smoked haddock from Scotland’s Northeast.) Named after its eponymous town of Cullen in Moray. It combines the smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions in a milky broth.

Sometimes you’ll find it with the potatoes mashed, just to add to the thickness, perfect for a rainy winter evening. A creamy tofu chowder would work perfectly here, check out the Cauldron Instagram!

Arbroath Smokies – Again, named after its town of inception. A different take on smoked haddock, with a tale of lore to be believed about its humble beginnings.

The haddock is traditionally salted overnight, tied in pairs, and then smoked in barrels that are sealed around the edges. This ensures a hot & humid smoke, that cooks the fish in around an hour but provides a pungent smokiness that has become famous!

Square Sausage - Or Lorne Sausage as you may see it called is more of a burger patty than it is a sausage. That being said, it's a breakfast staple up here, and its square shape lends itself perfectly to be eaten in a breakfast sandwich, you'll get some in every bite! Not for those of us that just eat meat, you could smash down our brilliant bangers for a vegan version. A less hands on option, check out the vegan kind for a full breakfast pack!

Macaroni Pie (left) - a lesson in how to truly carb-load, cheesy creamy macaroni, encased in a hot water pastry crust. It's such a national institution even the first minister signed a petition for Greggs to keep it in their Scottish stores!

Tattie Scone (Middle) - Scotland's answer to a fried slice on a full breakfast! Lashings of mashed potato made with butter and never milk, mixed with enough flour to bind an then rolled nice and thin to be cooked on a griddle, served hot Tablet (Right) - No, not an iPad. This combination of sugar, condensed milk & butter is a Scottish answer to fudge although not as soft and much more brittle and crumbly. Often flavoured with vanilla and sometimes with added nut pieces.

Scotland is more than famous for its choice of whisky; in 2020 there were 134 distilleries alone.

Split amongst 5 different regions they all have their own distinct characteristics. That's before you even get into whether they're made from malt or grain, single batch or blended or let alone different levels of aging.

Have a dram or two and find your own taste!

EXPLORING OLD TOWN EDINBURGH LARDER WWW.EDINBURGHLARDER.CO.UK Arguably the best brunch spot in Edinburgh. Tucked away from the hustle & bustle of the Royal Mile, chose from eating in @ the main cafe, or if too busy, grab a takeout breakfast & coffee from the Little Larder next door (& browse their lovely gift & craft shop whilst you wait!)

Menu highlights include full Scottish breakfast (vegan haggis & potato scone!) + the porridge is not to be missed.

THE PARADISE PALMS WWW.THEPARADISEPALMS.COM American diner inspired food offered by the Lucky Pig - award winning vegan & veggie food. We think the Chilli Cheese Fries, Lucky BBQ Platter & Frickles, followed by Brownie & Salted Caramel Ice Cream would be a great reward for sight seeing legs!

The cocktail list is well worth a glance at.. Clover Club anyone?

EDINBURGH: LEGENDARY VEGETARIAN FINE DINING

DAVID BANN VEGETARIAN ESTABLISHED IN 2002, A FIRM FAVOURITE AMONGST EDINBURGH'S VEGETARIAN RESIDENTS.

A blend of vegetarian and vegan dishes across an eclectic a la carte menu, David Bann Vegetarian certainly caters for a variety of clientele. Recent reviews rate the presentation, service & food quality as top notch, we think it would be rude to miss the opportunity to visit whilst in Edinburgh.

Menu recommendations include smoked tofu, baked parnsip pudding, finished with pineapple jelly with lemon cake & rum jelly.

Divine.

HENDERSONS Eat Better Live Better

A long standing family business with locally sourced & organic ingredients at the heart of their operations. Once the UK's longest standing vegetarian restaurant Henderson on Hanover Street closed in 2020, Hendersons is now operated by its original owners grandson, Barrie Henderson.

www.hendersonsrestaurant.com

SAMPLE MENU DISHES Pan seared king oyster mushroom, cauliflower vanilla puree, pea dust + smoked tofu Brussel sprouts, slow roasted shallots, pink grapefruit, hazelnuts Hendersons Haggis with root mash, whisky tarragon cream + caramelised red onion Hendersons chocolate mousse (recipe from the original restaurant)

A DAY AT THE SEASIDE: PORTOBELLO Just 3 miles from the city centre, Portobello has been a widely shared secret amongst Edinburgh residents since the Victorian times Visit for a day at the beach, or be tempted by the last original Victorian-designed Turkish Baths in Scotland, there are plenty of food options to sustain your day.. edinburghleisure.co.uk/turkish-baths

Slow fermented sourdough made in Edinburgh.

and

pastries

Dotted around the capital, be sure to pop in & stare at their beautiful bakes & buns. Either of these tickle your fancy: sourdough hot cross bun or orange + pistachio baklava bun?

300 Portobello High St, Edinburgh, EH15 2AS Every day 8:30am – 2pm/sell out

Hailing from Montreal (not NYC!) as the bagel capital of the world, Bross bagels delivers a can't miss menu of various melted cheeses piled onto deep fill fillings. Dirty Rachel's Vegan Sister got us drooling (its a bagel, duh!)

177 Portobello High St, Edinburgh EH15 1EU Monday - Sunday 9 am - 5 pm

FESTIVAL SEASON 1 1

Edinburgh Food Festival returns to George Square Garden this summer Here are our top shouts to check out!

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Mana Poke - Hawaiian inspired street food and smoothies. Colourful, healthy & protein packed bowls of goodness that are almost always photo worthy!

Pick one of their favourites and have the bowl built for you or go for it and make your own personal one from the ground up, check out the Hawaiian firewater sauce & their pineapple salsa!

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Jarvis Pickles - They make pies so you don't have to! There's more to these guys than just that though. All their flour comes from one mill less than 30 miles away & as much of their produce as possible from within Scotland.

They've won multiple pie awards since starting in 2016 & if you're after something a little different, check out the vegan tagine pie.

If you can't make it to the festival, they do a pie by post service, with 1 being donated to FareShare for every 4 they sell!

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Free the chilli - Weekly residents @ The Pitt, you'll also find them dishing out some of their best dishes as part of the food festival. Started by a love for Caribbean hot sauces, the pair have gone from strength to strength - although you can still pick up a bottle of hot sauce if that's all your after, it's a great blend of fruity notes & scotch bonnet heat!

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Chick & Pea - All about the flavours of the Middle East & the Mediterranean - Their halloumi fries are a fan favourite or go for their home made falafel, packed into a pitta with a load of fresh toppings - all served out of their little blue van!

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3

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SUNSHINE ON LEITH Sophie's waterfront shouts...

THE PITT Tucked away in an industrial yard - one of the most buzzing places to go in the city on a weekend evening! You'll find plenty to please everyone, but Pitt OG's Ròst & The buffalo truck are ones not to be missed

BUNDITS Who doesn't love a light & fluffy freshly steamed bun stuffed with fillings that pack a punch! They even open for breakfast on weekends - how 'bao' that? If that's not enough to get you planning a visit already, they do weekly quiz & karaoke nights for those with a competitive streak, or the voice of an angel...

BODEGA Their small menu really highlights the one thing they do best and pride themselves on - Tasty Tacos served up in a street style corn tortilla.

Flavours take inspiration from further afield than just Mexico, although cauliflower al pastor is one not to be missed!

TOAST Located in a former gallery, it's not just the location that is unique. All about natural wines and imaginative food. They're open all day if you just need somewhere for a conversation over a morning coffee, a weekend brunch or somewhere to meet friends and enjoy a bite over a bottle in the evening!

FROM NATURE TO PLATE Tom Kitchin's Eponymous Michelin Starred Flagship Restaurant

RELAXED FINE DINING IN A CONVERTED WHISKEY WAREHOUSE The Kitchin: Where their ethos of 'From Nature To Plate' is reflected in everything they do to champion the bounty of Scottish produce available to them.

Run by husband & wife Tom & Michaela: They have held a Michelin star since 2007 as well as 5 AA rosettes since 2015 and is frequently regarded as one of the best places to eat in the country.

A perfect place for a special occasion, where the food and service are top notch. if you're feeling adventurous, go for the vegetarian surprise tasting menu and see what delights they have in store for you.

Menu highlights include: Leeks Barbequed Musselburgh Leeks, caesar dressing, hazelnut, Corra Linn cheese Asparagus First of the season Wye Valley asparagus, soft boiled hen’s egg, potato gnocchi and wild garlic Sprouting broccoli Risotto of purple sprouting broccoli, Laganory cheese, tempura Rhubarb Tomlinson’s farm rhubarb crumble soufflé, Knockraich farm crème fraîche ice cream

THOMAS J. WALLS FORREST ROAD, EDINBURGH EH1 2QN

Found in what once was an opticians office They have beautifully maintained it's exterior. Look for the monocle logo on the window, it looks suspiciously like a coffee mug. Here you'll find a selection of daily in house bakes to suit all tastes and diets, as well as a wide range of brunch options if you're stopping in to watch the world go by for a little while. You'll find red brick espresso from square mile being pulled here & a lovely space to appreciate it's fruity qualities!

CAFFEINE CONCOCTIONS THE MILKMAN THEMILKMAN.COFFEE

2 Locations at either end of Cockburn Street just a stones throw from Waverley station & Princes St. Gardens. There you'll find an ever rotating choice of coffee beans, from their small list of chosen suppliers - ask them about what blends they have on that day!

If you need a little sweet pick me up, check out what the day's offerings are on the counter as they support a few different local bakeries.

BREW LAB WWW.BREWLABCOFFEE.CO.UK

A blend of science and art for the perfect cup of coffee, they're incredibly proud of their cold brew single origin coffee's - refined over several years!

You'll find a rotating blend of single origin beans with a small selection of sweet treats from a selection of local bakeries (vegan doughnuts from Considerit can be found on the counter!) & some house made sandwiches if something a little more substantial is on the cards.

WELLINGTON COFFEE 33A GEORGE STREET EH2 2HN

Look around or you'll miss it! Take the steps down from George Street into this cosy little joint below a perfume shop. You'll find them using square mile coffee beans and a selection of local bakes to go down a treat too. The scones are always a popular choice, be sure to try one if they've some left on the counter. And no risk of the Devon vs Cornwall debate of clotted cream or jam first up here.

There's a little outdoor terrace to take in the sunny days and spend a little while and watch the world stroll by.

THE COBBLED ROASTERY 48 THISTLE STREET, EDINBURGH

Opened just before Christmas in 2020, on St. Nicholas day ( A Ukrainian holiday) and just before restrictions were tightened in Scotland.

The shop came from an idea born in lockdown that has grown since & has a loyal local following!

They pride themselves on single origin raw Arabica beans that are as fresh as possible (they get them in green). At the moment Vlad told us they have 2 types on offer at any one time but as the business grows he's like to get to having 5 or 6 - and be able to offer customers a taste tour of the world of coffee, all from their shop on Thistle street!

You'll find them roasting in house almost everyday, there's a good chance you'll smell them roasting before you reach the shop.

You can get a fresh cup of coffee to go, but if you need a longer term caffeine fix - they have a coffee subscription service, where you can have their freshly roasted beans delivered regularly to satisfy those cravings, or a one off delivery to try something different!

There's always a selection of sweet treats on the counter too that go down well with a little espresso!

COBBLEDROASTER.CO.UK

Check out their micro roaster - right in the shop

A selection of different beans to sample - the long term goal!

MEET VLAD Vladimir moved to Edinburgh from Ukraine at the age of 6 and has called the city home ever since! He spent some time managing a coffee shop for someone else and first learned about the art of roasting coffee!

These days you'll find him chatting away and manning the coffee machine with a smile - he's very proud of it & it's his little baby! Ask him about the roasts they have available, you can even take some freshly roasted coffee home with you!

He told us he's noticed a shift in consumer trends, even in the relatively short time they've been open.

'People are much more interested in where the beans are coming from, how this affects the tasting notes and even how the roasting temperature makes a difference, it's become far more than just a cup of coffee!'

Where you'll find him when he's not roasting beans!

A WEE TRIP DOWN THISTLE STREET Named after the scottish national emblem - Nestled right in between Princes st & queen st, there's some gems to be found aling this little cobbled street away from some of the hustle & bustle of the city around you. Below are a few of our favourites

NOTO

DUSIT

BON VIVANT

Stuart Ralston's second

Dusit is an absolute

Continental inspired casual

restaurant, and little sister to

Edinburgh staple, locals will

dining space focused on

Aizle. Inspired by the owner's

tell you 'it's been there

small, flavour packed plates.

time living in New York, the

forever' and although a little

They even have a companion

name is a nod to a former

bit of an exaggeration. They

store right next door where

roommate of his and

have been serving some of

you can purchase a large

inspired by some of the wine

the best acclaimed Thai food

selection of independent

bars there.

in Edinburgh since 2002. If

wines and local beers.

All the food is designed to be

you feel like going for

The menu is all designed as

shared and enjoyed,

something a little spicy, get

bites - think Spanish pinxto

showcasing local producers

the Kraprao - stir fried with

style, so there's plenty of

and small batch wine

hot chilies & holy basil, a hot

opportunity to sample more

producers

& fragrant winner!

than a few of them!

AFTER ARTHUR'S Situated within Holyrood park, a walk up Arthur's seat has to be on your checklist for a trip to Edinburgh. The view from the top alone is worth the walk itself, but here are a few spots that you can check out as a reward for your efforts!

CONSIDERIT (ABOVE) Plant based sweet indulgence. Known best for their doughnuts but that's not all they do. You'll also find entirely plant-based artisan chocolate offerings & ice creams with flavours that rotate so you can be sure to find something to satisfy that sweet craving regardless of the season.

If you're further afield but in town they offer a doughnut delivery service, hand delivered within the city by bicycle! Maybe not so good for the diet but good for the planet!

You can also find some of their best selling flavours on The Vegan Kind website!

BEETROOT SAUVAGE (ABOVE) If you're not feeling up to the walk and are after something a little more centering & zen, check out their yoga studio, or just pop in for a bite to eat. There's some banging brunch options, try some of their in house made cheese (100% vegan) or indulge in a biscoff freakshake!

KALPNA (RIGHT) One of the longest established Indian restaurants in Edinburgh having been open over 40 years.

Definitely check out the vegan thali as a lunchtime offer to try lots of their delgihts!

BRISTO SQUARE Situated right on the edge of the university, it's hard to miss with some of the beautiful architecture.

Not only that, there's some excellent scran to be found right over the road. You might recognise a few of the spots on the map from the rest of the mag, but the ones below are totally worth a highlight too. Go with an empty stomach, there's loads of tasty options to be found and only a few minutes walk from the royal mile & the castle!

Ting Thai Caravan (Left) Started with a stall at Edinburgh food festival 10 years ago, they now have a few locations across Edinburgh serving up tasty Thai fare in a buzzing atmosphere!

Saboteur (Below) A sister restaurant to Ting Thai Caravan, run by the same family but here you'll find a delicious blend of Vietnamese & Thai Issan cuisine

El Cartel (above) Tacos, Tequila & Good vibes - or at least that's what they say and we couldn't agree more.

Definitely grab the adobo cauliflower tacos if you stop by!

Sandy Bell's(Right) The perfect spot to call in after you've eaten just round the corner. You'll find live music on most nights of the week to go with a large whisky selection & craft beer

Civerinos Pizza by the slice

WWW.CIVERINOS.COM

A slice of pizza the size of your head (no, we're really not kidding, they're massive!)count me in. But don't just take our word for it, GQ rated it as the coolest place to eat in Edinburgh, and so did our very own Tom & Stu. We'll let you decide who's opinion on the place is more trustworthy...

There are a few locations dotted across Edinburgh, so wherever you find yourself on a visit there's probably a slice close by and it's totally worth stopping in.

They don't just do by the slice, if you've got a party sized group, and can all agree on a topping of choice of course... They do full size 'pies' that will fill a table!

There's more than enough menu choice to please everyone but a slice of Plant pie or Die is definitely a favourite of Stu's & you can even pick up a portion of deep fried mac & cheese bites as the perfect side dish, also totally vegan!

GEORGIAN PARADISE EDINBURGH'S NEW TOWN IS FULL OF GREAT SPOTS, AND PROVIDES SOME GREAT VIEWS ACROSS PRINCES ST. GARDENS TO THE CASTLE AND SOME OF THE LANDMARKS OF THE OLD TOWN.

NOVA PIZZA

TANTRA

A fully vegan Italian eatery serving

Indian cuisine but not as you

up all the classics you'd expect,

might expect. Tantra is far from

just vegan!

somewhere you'd go just for a

The restaurant isn't blessed with

curry, their answer to a poppadum

masses of space so booking in

offering is a selection of Indian

advance is normally required.

crispbreads, paired with an

There's plenty of menu choice to

assortment of dips that are all

suit everyone, but how does a

based on the regional cuisines

vegan carbonara sound, with

found within India. If that's not

house made smoked 'bacon' and

enough the crisp semolina puri

walnut parmesan!

with lashings of their green chutney is one to order!

NOVAPIZZA.CO.UK

THETANTRA.CO.UK

SPRY WINES

BABA

A city centre location with a true

All about Levantine flavours, you'll

neighbourhood feel. Spry is both

find an excellent selection of

restaurant & a bottle shop rolled

mezze that are perfect for sharing

into one. Their menu is all about

as well some specialties from their

small plates, Grilled leeks with

charcoal grill. Check out the

black garlic or a celeriac crepe

chargrilled broccoli with lentils,

with kale & a dijon dressing. The

pomegranate and hazelnuts or a

focus here is on natural wines, if

blackened sweet potato with

you find a glass you like, you can

saffron & harissa creme fraiche,

buy a bottle from them to take

super indulgent.

and enjoy another time.

SPRYWINES.CO.UK

BABA.RESTAURANT

NOTABLE MENTIONS Check out Senor Dogs for you guessed it - hot dogs, but stay for the fun Latin American inspired atmosphere and maybe one of their cocktails to wash it down!

Southpour for excellent brunch options & coffee or later in the day for a craft beer or cocktail.

Little Fitzroy - A little out the way on Easter road, try whatever specialty roast blend of coffee they have on offer that day & a vegan sweet treat, made by local artisan bakers.

Clement Knives

Located up in the Scottish Borders, Tim Westley is making knives a little bit differently and doing his bit for the planet at the same time.

Hand forged and beautifully designed, there's more than meets the eye. Tim (& his dog) go out every week and collect spent Nitrous cannisters as well as any washed up plastics on the local beaches.

10 of those cannisters make it into each and every knife that is sold, and the plastics are used to make the handles, so every single one has a unique colour pattern!

Tim takes some inspiration for his ethos from Doug McMaster - Zero waste chef of Silo fame - and tries to make his own knife making process as low waste as possible to reduce his own environmental impact as much as he can.

You'll have to be quick to get your hands on one of these hand forged beauties, as there's only a handful on sale each week.

Clementknives.com

Quorn Dal Gosht This hearty combination of lentils and Quorn pieces is our take on a traditional North Indian dish that goes great with rice or roti!

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS FOR THE DAL 200G YELLOW SPLIT PEAS 200G RED LENTILS 200G SPLIT CHICKPEAS 1 LITRE WATER 20ML VEGETABLE OIL 5G CUMIN SEEDS 3 GREEN CHILIES 5G GINGER PASTE 5G GARLIC PASTE 1 LARGE WHITE ONION 1 TIN CHOPPED TOMATOES 5G RED CHILLI POWDER 5G GROUND CORIANDER 5G GROUND CUMIN 2.5G TURMERIC 2G GARAM MASALA ½ LEMON – JUICED 15G CHOPPED CORIANDER 500G QUORN PIECES

TEMPERED SPICES 10G MUSTARD SEEDS 1 CLOVE GARLIC 5G CURRY LEAVES 30ML VEGETABLE OIL

1.For the dal, soak the lentils & chickpeas in water overnight or for at least 4 hours ahead of time.

2.Heat the oil in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds and green chillies and sauté till the cumin seeds begin to change colour.

3.Add the ginger paste and garlic paste and sauté for half a minute. Add the onion and sauté till golden brown. Add the tomato and salt and continue to sauté for two more minutes.

4.Add the chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and sauté for two minutes.

5.Stir in the garam masala powder, add the soaked dals and the water 6.Bring to a boil, cover the pressure cooker, and cook under pressure for 30 minutes. Then reduce the pressure.

7.Remove the lid, stir, and mash the dals lightly. Add the pieces, simmer for 12 minutes.

8.For the tempered spices, heat the oil over a medium heat add all the spices and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is a little crispy but not burned.

9.Stir in the lemon juice and chopped coriander, then serve, with the tempered spice oil drizzled on top.