Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Ingredients

   Gather all ingredients. Peel and chop 2 cloves of garlic for the chunkay later. The remaining 6 cloves will be added directly to the dal.

2. 2.Wash Yellow Split Peas

   Place 1 cup of yellow split peas in a bowl and wash thoroughly under running water, rubbing with your hands until the water runs clear. Drain the water.

3. 3.Combine Dal and Spices in Pressure Cooker

   Add the washed yellow split peas to a pressure cooker with 6-7 cups of water. Add 6 cloves of peeled garlic, 1 wiri wiri pepper (optional), and 1 tablespoon of curry powder. Stir to combine.

4. 4.Add Salt

   Add approximately 1 tablespoon of salt to the dal mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed.

5. 5.Pressure Cook the Dal

   Close the pressure cooker lid securely. Cook the dal under pressure until it is very soft and tender. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes after the pressure cooker reaches full pressure.

6. 6.Check and Blend Dal

   Once the pressure is released, open the cooker. The dal should be cooked through. Use a wooden swizzle stick (dabu) or an immersion blender to blend the dal until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Add 1 tablespoon of roasted ground jeera (cumin) and continue blending until fully incorporated.

7. 7.Prepare Garlic Chunkay

   Heat oil in a small ladle (or a small frying pan) on the stove. Add the chopped garlic (2 cloves) to the hot oil and fry until it turns golden brown and aromatic.

8. 8.Add Chunkay to Dal

   Carefully pour the hot oil with the fried garlic into the cooked dal. Immediately cover the dal with the pressure cooker lid to trap the aromatic flavors. Let it sit for a minute.

9. 9.Serve

   Remove the lid and stir the dal. Serve hot with roti, rice, or as a standalone soup. Enjoy your delicious Guyanese dal!