Help with a dhal recipe please

[TotemPole]

I wanted to try this yellow split pea dhal over the weekend but ...

I don't have cloves, the pepper grinder has broken :(, only chicken stock cubes. Could I still make something edible?

Other spices I have are coriander, smoked paprika, garam masala, ginger. Fresh garlic, tomato puree and tinned toms.

It would be great if I could work this out and not shop for anything else for the next few days.

Thanks.

Have you a rolling pin? If so, tip a few peppercorns out of the mill and beat them up with the end of a rolling pin. Dahl can be very bland if you don't have something aromatic with a bit of poke. The cayenne they ask for in the recipe is very fiery. Cumin is a pretty essential flavour I think. Turmeric is mostly there for colour. Ginger, garlic and coriander would work fine. Sprinkle on the garam masala at the end of the cooking time so that you don't lose all the different flavours flavour.

If cloves and pepper are the only missing spices, I would go with half a teaspoon of garam masala (it is a blend of various spices including cloves and peppercorns). Stir it in just before serving, taste and add more if needed. Also don't bother with stock, water will do just fine.

Do you have any tabasco?

I don't make dhal with stock - water is fine. but no marg unless you are vegan. Butter is the whole point.

This is my go-to recipe. How something so simple can be so delicious is amazing. www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/02/how-to-cook-perfect-dal

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I'm looking forward to try this.:)

It turned out well.

We'll definitely have it again. Easy, and v. cheap :)

Oops, meant to say thanks for the help.