This Red Lentil Dal recipe is vegan and super easy to pull together. It's great on it's own or over rice. If you want to take it up a notch, wilt a handful of baby spinach or chopped rainbow chard and top with diced tomato. You may also like our Aloo Gobi.
You can't go wrong with this dish. It's loaded with protein, fiber, iron, and zinc. Since there's no added oil, it's also low in fat. This makes it a great dish to add to your routine if you're trying to lose weight.
Red Lentil Dal Ingredients
- Red lentils
- Onion
- Garlic
- Ginger root
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Black pepper
- Lemon
How to Prepare Red Lentil Dal
- Sort and rinse lentils. Set aside.
- Preheat a large sauté (or sauce) pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and dry sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in rinsed and drained red lentils, and water. Turn the heat up to high and bring lentils to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Turn off the heat and add lemon zest. Stir well to incorporate.
- Dish up and top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
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If you’ve ever been to an Indian restaurant and fell head over heels for the food or you love the aromatic spices that are made in most inspired Indian dishes, then this Red Lentil Dal is a must-try. I am a big lentil lover, and this dish is so flavorful and melts in your mouth. The savory fragrant blend of spices keeps your taste buds wanting more. Not only is this dish yummy but its easy to make and requires no soaking! Made with simple ingredients it’s the perfect dish to add to your meal prep routine. Also, if you love these spices, check out Easy Vegan Chana Masala as well as the Cauliflower Steak recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! First, lentils are high in antioxidants. Lentils are also rich in fiber, protein, iron, zinc, folate and potassium. Eating lentils as a part of your dietary pattern are associated with a lower risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol. Lentils are also high in phytates which have been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and osteoporosis. So embedded in all of its’s yumminess, lentils are a great choice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dal means cooked split lentils. Dal is an Indian staple and is like the western version of a soup, stew or chili. The spelling of the word is used interchangeably with Dal, Daal, or Dhal. Dal is typically split lentils combined with a blend of spices, stewed down to perfection.
Yes, you can. Sauté the ingredients on the sauté setting on your instant pot until onions are translucent. Then add in spices. Then add all ingredients and stir well to combine. Set the time for 10 minutes once completed do a quick release.
Other Indian-Inspired Recipes
We hope you love this red lentil dal recipe. Please rate and leave a comment below. Be sure to share a picture on Instagram and tag us @danielsplaterecipes so we can see your creation!
Red Lentil Dal
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger root minced or grated
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups red lentils rinsed
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Toppings:
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat optional
Instructions
- Preheat a large sauté (or sauce) pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and dry sauté for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in rinsed and drained red lentils, and water. Turn the heat up to high and bring lentils to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- Turn off the heat and add lemon zest.
- Dish up and top with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. For heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES:
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Large sauté or sauce pan with lid
- Zester
Jamie P. says
very tasty and filling. thank you.
Gigi & Sersie says
you are so welcome!