Experience the comforting warmth and rich flavours of traditional Indian cuisine with our Easy Indian Red Lentil Dal recipe. This classic dish, made with nutritious red lentils and a blend of aromatic spices, offers a delightful, hearty meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dahl is simple to prepare and packed with protein and fiber. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Indian cooking, this recipe will guide you to create a delicious and authentic dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into the vibrant world of Indian flavours with our easy-to-follow red lentil dal recipe today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red lentil dal, aka “Masoor Dal,” is a staple in many Indian households, cherished for its simplicity and nutritional benefits. Red lentils are a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome. The creamy texture of the cooked lentils, combined with the bold flavours of cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe is:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Versatile: Perfect as a soup, served with rice, or paired with naan or chapati.
- Diet-Friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Serving and Storing
One of the best things about this red lentil dal is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a soup, paired with steamed rice for a complete meal, or served alongside naan. For those who love to customize their dishes, adding a handful of spinach or kale, or even some diced vegetables can add variety and enhance the nutritional value.
To store, simply place the cooled dal in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dal in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Easy Indian Red Lentil Dal
Course: FirstsDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes25
minutes576
kcalIngredients
1-2 tbsp olive oil or any other seed oil
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garam masala
2 tsp minced ginger
3 cloves of minced garlic
2 onions
300 g dry red lentils
800 ml vegetable broth
250 ml coconut milk
250 ml tomato pulp
2 tsp sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot, reduce the heat and add the spices (turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika and garam masala), mix them and sauté them for about 30 seconds until. Proceed by adding the chopped onion, minced garlic and minced ginger into the spice mixture. Allow them to sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
- Wash the lentils under cold water, and add them to the onion mixture in the pot. As soon as this is done pour in the vegetable broth, and stir it in to combine fully with all of the ingredients, bring this to a simmer. Cook covered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the lentils have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add in the coconut milk and the tomato pulp and simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the lentils are tender*. Once the desired consistency is reached season with salt, pepper, sugar and lemon juice.
- Let the dal cool, then plate and serve. Dal can be enjoyed with some naan or it can be enjoyed by itself.
Notes
- When you add spices to heated up oil it is important to then reduce the heat to low and let them saute` in the oil. This will help the spices release all of their natural flavours slowly.
- *If you see that the sauce is too thick, you can either add more broth or coconut milk until the desired consistency is reached.
Join the Community
We hope you enjoy making and savouring this Easy Indian Red Lentil Dal as much as we do! We invite you to join our culinary community by sharing your experiences and variations of this recipe. Connect with us on social media, leave a comment on our blog, or tag us in your photos. We love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback.
Embark on a culinary journey with our Easy Indian Red Lentil Dal and savour the rich, comforting flavours of this traditional dish. Let it become a cherished part of your meal rotation, bringing warmth and nourishment to your table with every bowl. Happy cooking!
