Local Fall Veggies Do Exist!

Today I'm sharing a wonderful fall time recipe. Red Lentil Dal with Butternut Squash and Crispy Cabbage. What's so wonderful about this dish is that both the squash and cabbage are in season and can be found locally at your farmers market (if it's still running) or natural foods store. But don't fret, if you don't have either you can still find these veggies, along with all of the other ingredients, at your nearest supermarket.  

There are really two parts of this recipe, the dal and the cabbage. Both can be done at the same time so long as you prep your ingredients first.


Red Lentil Dal with Butternut Squash

1 15oz can coconut milk
1/2 C. water 
1 C. red lentils
1 small butternut squash peeled and diced into 1/4-1/2 inch cubes

Bring your coconut milk and water to a boil then add in lentils and squash. Bring back to boil then cover and simmer for 20-40min or until squash is soft.

Crispy Cabbage

1 small head of red cabbage sliced
1/2 C. all purpose flour
1/2 C. whole wheat flour
3-4 Tbls. canola oil

Preheat oven to 475.

Slice cabbage into 1/8 inch strips.

Mix flours in medium bowl. Then mix in cabbage coating well.

On stove top, preheat oil in a large skillet. Once oil is hot, place flour coated cabbage in oil and fry until it starts to brown.

 

 Don't be tempted to fry it too long. We'll finish the cabbage off in the oven and we don't want it to burn. 

Then place fried cabbage on a sheet pan an into preheated oven.

Cook cabbage in oven for about 5-10 minutes or until crispy. Being careful not to let it burn.

 

It should look about like this. 

Once cabbage is cooked and dal is done simply spoon the dal into a bowl and place some cabbage on top. This is a perfect meal for the chilly fall nights.

If you have some cabbage left over it can be made into a great sandwich. Just add some greens, an avacado, and a little mayo or deli mustard and you've got a great lunch the next day. 

Or heck, just sprinkle on some salt or seasoning of your choice and eat it like you would chips or fries. 

But, as always, no matter what...enjoy!