Lentil Dal or Dahl Daal Dhal

Dive into the comforting warmth of Lentil Dal, also known as Dahl, Daal, or Dhal, a hearty and aromatic Indian dish that's a staple in kitchens worldwide. This vegan-friendly recipe features tender red lentils simmered to creamy perfection with earthy turmeric and a medley of bold spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. A sizzling tempering of garlic, green chili, and fragrant spices enhances the dish, while fresh tomatoes and cilantro add a vibrant burst of flavor. Finished with a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dish is bursting with nutrition and bold, complex taste. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal, perfect served over steamed rice or paired with naan for soaking up every delicious bite. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this lentil dal is sure to become a family favorite! Keywords: Lentil Dal recipe, how to make dal, vegan Indian recipes, easy dal recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red lentils (masoor dal)
• 3.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds (optional)
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small Green chili (optional), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder (optional)
• 2 medium Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro (fresh coriander leaves), chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and avoids a foamy boil.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and have broken down into a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

While the lentils are cooking, heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a frying pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using) to the hot oil. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the seeds start to pop.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chili (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, and red chili powder (if using) to the pan. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 8

Add the chopped tomatoes to the spice mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a thick, flavorful base.

Step 9

Pour the tomato and spice mixture into the pot of cooked lentils. Stir well to combine.

Step 10

Simmer the dal for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 11

Finish the dal by stirring in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Remove from heat.

Step 12

Serve the dal hot with rice, naan, or roti. Optionally, garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of ghee for added richness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1380.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	586.0

Total Fat 31.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2417.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 62.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.1g	0%
Total Sugars 11.7g
Protein 23.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 209.2mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 1628.2mg	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: 45.0%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 40.1%