Classic Lentil Dahl

Dive into the comforting warmth of this Classic Lentil Dahl, a traditional Indian-inspired recipe packed with bold spices and wholesome ingredients. Featuring tender red lentils simmered with aromatic turmeric and a medley of cumin, mustard seeds, and garam masala, this dish delivers layers of rich, savory flavor. The addition of crushed tomatoes, fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of green chili creates a vibrant, deeply satisfying texture, while a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of cilantro add a refreshing finish. Perfect as a hearty weeknight meal or a side dish, this vegan-friendly dahl pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. Ready in just 50 minutes and yielding four generous servings, this one-pot wonder is as easy to prepare as it is to devour.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams red lentils
• 600 milliliters water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 null garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 null green chili, finely chopped
• 400 grams canned tomatoes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 null lemon, juiced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

In a separate large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and cook until they begin to pop and become fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the crushed tomatoes and stir in the ground coriander and ground cumin. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Combine the cooked lentils with the tomato mixture, stirring well to incorporate. Add garam masala and mix thoroughly.

Step 9

Simmer the dahl for another 5-10 minutes until it's thickened to your desired consistency, stirring occasionally.

Step 10

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice just before serving.

Step 11

Serve the lentil dahl warm with basmati rice, naan, or as a part of a larger meal. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1438.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	687.4

Total Fat 31.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3404.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 88.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 25.9g
Protein 25.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281.6mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 1916.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.2%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 47.9%