Mancuso family comfort food

Dal:

Combine the following spices in a small dish: 

• 1 teaspoon turmeric 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 
• 1/4 teaspoon of each: cumin seeds, coriander seeds 
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 

1. Heat a large stockpot, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil and saute the onions and garlic for one minute. Then add the entire mix of spices, mixing well until your kitchen smells aromatic (but before it burns). 
2. Quickly pour in 4 cups water, scrape the spices off the bottom of the pot and add 1 cup red lentils. 
3. Bring to boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft.

Grilled tofu:

1. Place the firm tofu, cut in 1/2 inch rectangles, into a pan and cover with low sodium soy sauce and mirin. 
2. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and marinate for 10 minutes. 
3. Heat a panini maker or a grill. Paint small amount of olive oil on the grill and place the tofu, seed side up for about 5 minutes. When the grill marks are present and golden brown, turn the tofu and grill for two more minutes.
   

Sauteed greens:

1. Heat a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet. 
2. Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and quickly add one bunch of sliced dinosaur kale and sprinkle sea salt to taste. Use tongs to mix the greens for 5 minutes. If they start to burn, add a dash of water (in order to steam them slightly). 
3. Serve with a squeeze of lemon (added at the table, since adding lemon in the pan will turn the beautiful greens into browns!) 
4. Serve the dal, tofu, and greens with warm pita bread and brown rice.