Masoor Daal

1 cup red lentils
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
4 tsp butter or oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Combine lentils, ginger, turmeric, salt, and cayenne in saucepan. Cover with 1 inch of water, cook 15-20 minutes. Saute onions in butter/oil. Add cumin and garlic, then add to lentils. Top with plain yogurt and serve with naan or rice.

Red Lentil Hummus

1 1/4 cup red lentils, rinsed
3 cups water
2 large garlic cloves
1 tbsp tahini (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1.5 tsp berberé seasoning (below)
salt to taste

Berberé:
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp each of cardamon, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, pepper
Tiny pinch of cloves

Put lentils and water in a pot. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20-30 minutes, until lentils are soft. Drain water from lentils. Put in food processor with all other ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more seasoning, lemon juice, or salt to taste.

Zucchini Fritters

2 medium zucchini, grated
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup flour
2-4 tbsp oil

Mix zucchini, salt, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, and eggs. Slowly add flour, stirring so no lumps form. Heat oil in large pan over medium high heat until oil sizzles when zucchini mix is dropped in. Carefully drop about 2 tbsp mix into pan. Cook fritters until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Lower heat to medium, turn fritters, continue cooking 2-3 minutes.

Soft Pretzels

1 cup flour
1/2 milk
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp sesame seed salt

Mix flour, milk, butter, baking powder, and sugar into a soft dough with fork. On floured surface, knead ten times, then divide into 8 pieces. Roll dough and shape into pretzels. Place onto greased baking sheet seam down. Beat egg and brush pretzels, sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Drop Cheese Biscuits

This is my mom's recipe, and it's one of my faves :)

2 cups flour
1 tbsp sugar
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1.5 cups grated cheddar
2 tbsp oil
1 cup milk

Combine dry ingredients. Add oil and milk, stir only until moist. Drop by spoonful onto greased baking sheet. Bake at 425F for 12-15 minutes.

1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp parsley

Brush over finished biscuits.