Indian lentil stews (called dal) are among the heartiest and healthiest cheap food around. For a few dollars you can simmer up a big, fragrant pot that will nourish a crowd. For extra flavor splurge just a bit and stir in a handful of sautéed cherry tomatoes and seasonal greens. You may need to seek out toor dal (also known as split pigeon peas) in an Indian grocery store. It's worth the trip though, as these lentils develop a creamy consistency and mellow flavor that will have you hooked. While you're at the store pick up a package of curry leaves (freeze or dry the leftovers for another day) and black mustard seeds. You can substitute brown or red lentils, but adjust the cooking time, which will be much shorter (and forgo the soaking step). Soaking the dal for a couple of hours reduces the cooking time significantly. <br />Double or triple the recipe as needed, depending on the size of the crowd.

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