Vegetarian Traditional Indian Daal

Delight in the rich, comforting flavors of our Vegetarian Traditional Indian Daal, a classic dish that celebrates the heart of Indian cuisine. Made with tender yellow lentils, aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and garam masala, and a touch of zesty lemon juice, this protein-packed recipe is the perfect balance of warmth and vibrancy. A luscious masala base of sautéed garlic, ginger, onions, and tomatoes infuses the daal with layers of bold, savory flavor, while fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to every bite. Ideal for cozy dinners, this daal pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan, or flatbreads, making it a versatile centerpiece for vegetarian dining. Plus, with an easy vegan substitution using vegetable oil, it’s a must-try for plant-based foodies! Experience the soul-soothing goodness of this traditional Indian comfort food, ready in just under an hour.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (substitute with vegetable oil for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 1 Green chili, finely chopped
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the yellow lentils thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, water, turmeric powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and simmer the lentils for 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked through. Skim off any foam that forms on top during cooking. Set aside.

Step 4

In a separate pan, heat the ghee (or vegetable oil) over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8

Add the chopped tomato, coriander powder, red chili powder, and remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture forms a thick masala paste.

Step 9

Stir the cooked lentils into the masala paste. If the mixture is too thick, add 0.5-1 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 10

Simmer the daal for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 11

Stir in the garam masala and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 12

Remove the daal from heat and garnish it with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Step 13

Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1535.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1082.5

Total Fat 33.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 71.7mg	0%
Sodium 2446.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.8g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 57.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 343.5mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2760.8mg	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: 27.2%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 52.2%