BBC EBONY RECIPES

Steps:

• Soak the beans in cold water for 4 hrs (or overnight, if you like).
• Melt the butter or ghee in a large pan, then add the onions, garlic and ginger, and cook slowly for 10-15 mins until the onions are starting to caramelise. Stir in the spices, coriander stalks and 100ml water. Pour into the slow cooker (or leave in the pan if cooking on the hob). Add the passata and whole red chilli. Drain the beans and add these too, then top up with 400ml water. Season well, set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 5-6 hrs (or cover and cook for 2 hrs over a very low heat on the hob).
• Once cooked, the dhal should be very thick and the beans tender. Stir in the cream, check the seasoning and serve in bowls with naan bread, rice or in a jacket potato, with your choice of toppings. To freeze the dhal, cool completely, then divide into containers or sandwich bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, defrost and heat thoroughly before eating.

Steps:

• Remove the thick layer of fat running down the side of the steaks and discard. Slice the steak into 1cm-thick, long strips and toss with the cornflour and some seasoning.
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over a high heat then add the steak, frying for 3-5 mins or until golden brown on the outside. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.
• Add the onion and peppers to the pan and fry for 6-7 mins or until beginning to soften. Stir through the garlic, ginger and chilli and cook for a further min. Return the beef to the pan and stir through the black bean sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar and 2 tbsp water to loosen a little. Bring to a simmer and then remove from the heat.
• Serve the stir-fry in deep bowls with mounds of sticky rice and top with coriander, if you like.