Lentil Potato Dal

Warm, comforting, and packed with bold spices, this Lentil Potato Dal is the ultimate one-pot vegetarian meal that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. Featuring tender red lentils and hearty chunks of potatoes, this dish is simmered with aromatic cumin seeds, turmeric, and garam masala, creating a rich, fragrant sauce that bursts with vibrant flavors. Fresh ginger, garlic, and juicy tomatoes bring a savory depth, while a finishing touch of lemon juice and cilantro adds a refreshing zing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dal is ready in under an hour and pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or can be savored on its own. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Indian-inspired cooking or a curious first-timer, this Lentil Potato Dal is an inviting and easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red lentils
• 2 medium Potatoes
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece Fresh ginger
• 2 medium Tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and softened.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, ground coriander, red chili powder, and a pinch of the salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they break down and form a thick sauce.

Step 7

Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced potatoes, and 4 cups of water. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Add the rest of the salt and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Check the lentils and potatoes for doneness—they should be tender. If the dal is too thick, add a little more water and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Stir in the garam masala and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 11

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh cilantro.

Step 12

Serve the Lentil Potato Dal hot with rice, naan, or as a standalone dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2033.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	996.5

Total Fat 30.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2463.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.6g	0%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 33.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 300.3mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 3978.4mg	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: 26.0%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 61.1%