Indian Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry)

Dive into the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine with this Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Curry) recipe, a wholesome and vibrant dish that's both nourishing and easy to make! This protein-packed curry highlights tender red lentils simmered to perfection, infused with a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. A fragrant tempering of sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili adds layers of depth, while juicy tomatoes lend a subtle tanginess. Topped with fresh cilantro and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dal is a perfect balance of earthy warmth and bright flavors. Ready in just 45 minutes, it pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for a satisfying vegan and gluten-free meal that’s hearty, healthy, and utterly delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams red lentils
• 750 milliliters water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 1 large, chopped tomato
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 inch piece, grated ginger
• 1 medium, slit lengthwise green chili
• 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon or to taste salt
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and impurities.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed red lentils with 750ml of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes or until the lentils become soft and tender. Stir occasionally.

Step 4

While the lentils are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the slit green chili. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, followed by turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, and ground coriander. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and the spices become aromatic.

Step 8

Once the lentils are cooked and tender, stir the tomato and spice mixture into the pot with the lentils. Season with salt to taste.

Step 9

Simmer the dal for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the dal is too thick, add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10

Stir in the freshly chopped cilantro and lemon juice just before serving.

Step 11

Serve the hot masoor dal with basmati rice or naan, and enjoy your meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1417.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	680.4

Total Fat 31.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4148.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g	0%
Total Sugars 27.3g
Protein 24.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223.1mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 1662.3mg	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: 39.2%

Protein: 13.7%

Carbs: 47.0%