We’re big fans of Maya Kaimal’s simmer sauces and I’ve cooked from her South Indian cookbook, Curried Favors, for years. Earlier this year, the company came out Maya Kaimal Everyday Dal, shelf-stable lentil dishes in a microwavable bag you can zap and eat in 90 seconds. It joins the likes of similar offerings from Tasty Bite, Trader Joe’s, and others. They make for fast, clean and nutritious meals, great for quick office lunches, dorm food, even earthquake kits. My husband has taken other brands on backpacking and mountain climbing trips.
Maya Kaimal Everyday Dal is available in five varieties, including black lentil, tomato and cumin; red lentil, butternut squash and coconut; and kidney beans, carrots and tamarind. I opted to pick up two flavors at my local Cost Plus World Market ($4.99/packet). They’re also available in multi-packs on Amazon.
I came home with the Black Lentil with Tomato and Cumin and Red Lentil with Butternut Squash and Coconut. I tried them over some plain basmati rice and between the two, the black lentil won out. With tomato and cumin, it’s almost like a vegetarian chili and it has a thicker, rich texture. If you’re looking for heat, understandably, you’ll have to add it yourself. The red lentil was on the waterier side and didn’t have the touch of sweetness I was hoping for from the squash or the coconut.
After trying them plain, I put together some nachos with the rest of the black lentil Everyday Dal, and I have to tell you, it was pretty dang delicious. Throw some chips on a plate, top with a generous handful of grated cheddar and ~1/2 c. of the black lentil dal. Heat it in the microwave, til the cheese is melted and the dal is warm. Add some picked jalapeños, red onion, cilantro and yogurt, and you’ve got a pretty satisfying plate of vegetarian nachos perfect for game day.