Coco Banana's Dhal

Transform your dinner table with the tropical warmth of Coco Banana’s Dhal, a velvety fusion of creamy coconut milk, hearty red lentils, and a surprising twist of ripe banana. This luscious vegetarian dish is elevated with fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, perfectly balanced with the natural sweetness of the banana puree. The slow simmering process lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of zesty lime, this dhal is a flavorful and nourishing meal, ready in under an hour. Serve it alongside rice, naan, or flatbread for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing experience. Perfect for those seeking a unique, plant-based recipe packed with both nutrition and flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup split red lentils
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 large ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional, for garnish) fresh cilantro
• 1 cut into wedges for serving lime

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set them aside.

Step 2

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and start breaking down. Add more water if needed to maintain a creamy consistency.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, peel the banana and mash it into a smooth puree. Set aside.

Step 4

In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes until translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Toast the spices for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their flavors.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked spice mixture into the pot with the lentils. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the mashed banana and salt to the lentils. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Taste and adjust salt as needed. If the dhal is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Pair with rice, naan, or toasted flatbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1336.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1277.2

Total Fat 30.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2443.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 208.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 45.9g
Protein 57.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 279.0mg	0%
Iron 20.2mg	0%
Potassium 3154.0mg	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: 20.5%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 62.3%