BUTTER TO COCONUT OIL CONVERSION RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat the ghee or groundnut oil and fry the onion over a medium heat until it’s pale gold and soft. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another couple of mins. Stir in all the spices and cook for another minute or so, then add all the remaining ingredients and 450ml water. Bring to just below boiling point, turn the heat down and simmer for about 40 mins until the split peas are soft. If you like your dhal thick in texture, mash the chickpeas to break them down. If the mixture is getting dry, add more water. If it’s too thin, keep cooking until you get the thickness you want. There is no ‘right’ consistency; dhal can be almost brothy or like a thick purée.
• To serve, heat the ghee or butter in a pan and add the shallots. Fry until they’re golden, then add the cumin seeds, black mustard seeds and chilli flakes. Cook until their aromas are released. Scatter coriander on top of the dhal, then pour over the spiced butter.

Steps:

• Put the chicken, chopped garlic, a third of the lemongrass and half the ginger, spices and lime juice in a large bowl. Toss, then cover and leave for 30 mins, or chill for up to 24 hrs. Blitz the whole garlic, the rest of the lemongrass and ginger, remaining spices, chopped chilli, onion and a large splash of water to in a food processor. Set aside.
• Heat the oil in a pan and brown the chicken all over. Set aside on a plate. Cook the paste for 8-10 mins until it splits. Stir in the peanut butter and kecap manis. When thickened, add the coconut milk and half a can of water, bring to a simmer, season, then add the chicken with its juices. Continue to simmer for 40 mins, stirring often. Turn off the heat, add the rest of the lime juice and season. Leave to rest for 10 mins. Scatter over the sliced chilli, spring onions, fresh coriander and peanuts to serve.