Awhile back I bought myself some German cookbooks.  Although I regularly read wonderful food blogs in English (e.g, Everbody Likes Sandwiches and Pinch my Salt), I find it difficult to translate both the measurements and the English into German — especially for those items that I would not recognize even in an American grocery store.  Somehow, shopping from a German list is a little easier, especially when I need to ask for help.  Its probably the same amount of work either way, but this way functions best for me.

Anyway, as an untalented cook, I am always proud when I manage to make something delicious.  And these creamy lentils with potatoes were definitely yummy.  Spicy, warm and filling.  Perfect for a cold Winter’s day.  Since they didn’t look quite as good as the picture in the cookbook, I’m posting a photo of that instead.  Enjoy!

• 250 grams dried lentils
• 750 grams small potatoes
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 25 grams)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2-3 small red chili peppers
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 400 grams cream
• Salt
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1-2 tablespoons of lime juice

Soak the lentils overnight in cold water (there should be about 2 cm of water covering the lentils).  Drain the lentils in a colander and catch the soaked water in a pot.

Peal and wash potatoes.  Skin the garlic cloves and finely chop them.  Peal and dice the ginger.  Heat the oil in a pot.  Throw in the garlic, ginger, the whole red chilis, cinnamon, ground cloves and cumin and heat.

Measure off about 300 grams of the water that the lentils soaked in and pour into the pot.  Add the potatoes and let them cook for about 5 minutes by medium heat.  Add the lentils and cream and cook for another 15 minutes.  When the lentils aren’t quite soft, take out the potatoes and keep them warm.  Continue cooking the lentils.  Season the lentils with salt.

Wash the cilantro and shake dry.  Finely chop about half of the bunch.  Throw the chopped cilantro into the lentils and stir.  Season the dish to taste with the lime juice.  Dish up the potatoes and lentils with garnish with the rest of the cilantro.