Description
A straightforward recipe for a comforting red lentil dahl, seasoned with basic spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the rinsed red lentils and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are soft and broken down. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- While the lentils simmer, heat the vegetable oil in a separate small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour the spiced onion mixture into the simmering lentils. Stir well to combine.
- Add the salt. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust salt if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- If the dahl becomes too thick, add a little hot water until you reach your desired consistency.
- For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender briefly after cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: red lentil dahl, lentil soup, Indian recipe, vegan curry, simple dahl