Description
A hearty and flavorful Indian lentil dish made with red lentils, spices, and aromatics. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Add the rinsed lentils, chopped tomato, and water or broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and have broken down.
- Stir in salt and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, temper mustard seeds and curry leaves in oil and pour over the dal before serving.
- Can be served with rice, naan, or on its own as a soup.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
