Crossword Genius

Award setter with curry made from lentils, perhaps (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

medal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'award' is the definition.
(I know that medal is a type of award)

'setter with curry made from lentils perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'setter' could be 'me' (the setter of the clue) and 'me' is present in the answer.
'lentils' could be 'dal' (lentil dish) and 'dal' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for medal that I've seen before include "silver?" , "Religious or commemorative award" , "Award for winning" , "sort of play" , "Award for the soldier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app