Red Lentil Dahl

Red Lentil Dahl

6 servings
This easy, creamy red lentil dahl is frugal, hearty, comforting, flavorful, packed with plant-based protein, and ready in just 30 minutes! Serve with home-cooked rice and naan bread for a gluten-free, dairy-free Indian-inspired feast!

Ingredients

  • dry red lentils
    1 ½ c
  • carrot)

    finely diced (see notes

    1 large
  • bell pepper
    1 small
  • onion

    chopped

    1 large
  • garlic

    minced

    4 cloves
  • heaped tbsp fresh ginger

    minced

    1
  • vegetable oil
    ½ tbsp
  • vegetable broth

    or water

    3 c
  • canned coconut milk)

    (see notes

    1 c
  • ground cumin
    1 ½ tsp
  • curry powder
    1 tbsp
  • sweetener of choice
    ½ tbsp
  • ground turmeric
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • sea salt and black pepper
    to taste
  • red pepper flakes)

    (optional

    ⅓ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    You can watch the short video for visual instructions.Rinse lentils under running water. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and carrot.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper.

  3. 3

    Add all spices, sweetener, lentils, and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Finally, add coconut milk and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the desired thickness of the dahl is reached.

  5. 5

    Season with black pepper and salt. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

  6. 6

    Serve warm with basmati rice, potatoes, or naan (flatbread) and garnish with fresh herbs.

Red Lentil Dahl

Red Lentil Dahl

30 min6 servings302 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply comforting, hearty meal that's both budget-friendly and on the table in just 30 minutes? This creamy Red Lentil Dahl is your answer. It's a flavorful, plant-based powerhouse that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

What makes this dahl special is its incredible balance of flavors and textures, achieved with simple ingredients. From the aromatic blend of ginger and garlic to the robust spices like cumin, curry powder, and turmeric, each component works together to create a rich, creamy curry. It's a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free dish that feels indulgent without any fuss.

Expect a delightfully creamy texture, thanks to the red lentils that break down beautifully as they cook, melding with the coconut milk. The base is savory and subtly sweet, punctuated by the fragrant spices and the gentle crunch of finely diced carrots and bell peppers. It’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet flavorful enough to impress.

Customization & Serving

Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the optional red pepper flakes to suit your palate. While the recipe calls for vegetable broth, you can easily use water in its place if that's what you have on hand. Don't be afraid to experiment with adding other vegetables; a handful of spinach or finely chopped zucchini would also be delicious additions.

Serve this hearty Red Lentil Dahl with a side of fluffy home-cooked rice and warm naan bread for a complete, Indian-inspired feast. It's an inviting dinner that's perfect for sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions