Dal w/Potato-and-Cauliflower and Spicy Shallots

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250ml) yellow split peas (chana dal)
• 2 tbsp. (25 ml) clarified butter or vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 stalks celery, peeled and thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. (15ml) ginger root, minced
• 1 tsp. (5ml) curry powder
• 1 tsp. (5ml) salt
• 1/2 tsp. (2ml) black peppercorns, cracked
• 1/4 tsp. (1ml) nutmeg, ground
• 3 cups (750ml) vegetable stock or water
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" (1cm) cubes
• 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets, or 4 cups (1L) frozen cauliflower florets
• 2 tbsp. (25ml) clarified butter or vegetable oil
• 2 long French shallots, thinly sliced, or 8 green onions, white part only, thinly sliced
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. (1ml to 2ml) chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. (15ml) cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. (25ml) balsamic vinegar or lemon juice