Dal Bhat Red Lentils with Rice

Savor the comforting flavors of Dal Bhat, a traditional dish featuring hearty red lentils and fragrant steamed rice. This easy-to-make recipe combines protein-packed lentils simmered with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, creating a velvety, flavor-rich dal. Paired with perfectly cooked jasmine or basmati rice, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Enhanced with fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of zesty lemon, each bite bursts with authentic South Asian flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this vegetarian classic is a must-try! Garnish with fresh cilantro to elevate this timeless dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups water (for rice)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons ground chili powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.

Step 2

In a medium pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Combine the rice with 2 cups of water in a separate pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 4

In a large, deep skillet or saucepan, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and optional chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick paste.

Step 8

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet along with any residual cooking water. Stir to combine, then season with salt. Simmer the dal for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon juice and garnish the dal with freshly chopped cilantro.

Step 10

Serve the dal hot alongside the steamed rice. Enjoy your traditional Dal Bhat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2189.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	844.9

Total Fat 30.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 69.6mg	0%
Sodium 2419.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 120.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 13.7g
Protein 27.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223.0mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1551.6mg	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: 31.7%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 55.7%