Red Lentil Dal 1

Red Lentil Dal 1

A vibrant, aromatic Indian lentil curry packed with warming spices, coconut milk, and fresh spinach—ready in just 25 minutes on the stovetop.

35 min total6 servingsIndian

Calories

280

Protein

14g

Carbs

35g

Fat

8g

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 2 whole onions (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves (finely chopped)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
  • 1/2 whole red chilli (finely chopped, or 1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala (or substitute 3 tsp garam masala for all whole spices)
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup dried red lentils (200g, uncooked, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes (14oz/400ml)
  • 1 can coconut milk (14oz/400ml)
  • 2 cup vegetable broth (500ml)
  • 1/2 whole lemon (juice only)
  • 2 handfuls fresh spinach (washed)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently for 5 minutes until softened, then add the garlic, ginger, and red chilli and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Lightly grind the cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds in a pestle and mortar. Add them to the pan along with the turmeric and garam masala, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  3. 3

    Add the rinsed lentils, chopped tomatoes with their juice, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dahl is thick and reduced. Taste and add more chilli if desired.

  5. 5

    Stir in the lemon juice and fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.

  6. 6

    Serve warm with rice, naan bread, or poppadoms.

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