Indian Style Lentils
Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Indian Style Lentils, a hearty and wholesome dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying addition to your homemade Indian feast. Made with protein-packed split red lentils (masoor dal), this recipe combines the warmth of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala with the vibrant freshness of garlic, ginger, green chilies, and cilantro. The dish is elevated with a simple yet flavorful tadka, where sizzling ghee or oil amplifies the earthy aromas of whole spices. Finished with a tangy drizzle of lemon juice, this dal comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an easy, vegetarian-friendly option. Serve it steaming hot with rice, naan, or roti, and experience the essence of Indian cooking in every bite. Perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners, this Indian lentil curry recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking comfort and flavor in a bowl.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Split red lentils (masoor dal)
- 3 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 2 Green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium Tomato, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
In a medium-sized pot, add lentils, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped onion and cook until the onion turns golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped tomato, coriander powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts to separate, about 4-5 minutes.
Pour the prepared spice mixture (tadka) over the cooked lentils. Stir well to combine.
Simmer the lentils for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the dal is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lemon juice before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti and enjoy your Indian-style lentils!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
282 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 8.4 g | 11% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 18 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 504 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.7 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.5 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 577 mg | 12% | |
*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.
