Masoor Dal Red Lentils
Warm, nourishing, and packed with flavor, Masoor Dal Red Lentils is a quintessential Indian comfort food that's as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. This wholesome dish features tender red lentils simmered with earthy turmeric and infused with a fragrant tempering of cumin, garlic, and onions. A splash of tangy tomatoes and warming spices like garam masala and red chili powder elevate the flavor profile, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness to every bite. Perfect as a hearty standalone soup or served alongside steamed rice or naan, this one-pot wonder takes just 40 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. Packed with plant-based protein and naturally gluten-free, Masoor Dal is a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Red lentils (Masoor Dal)
- 3 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoons Cumin seeds
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 large Tomato, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons Red chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Garam masala
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium-sized pot, combine the red lentils, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the lentils are soft and the mixture has a soup-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a separate pan, heat ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend with the onions.
Add the red chili powder and garam masala to the pan, mixing well to coat the spices in the oil.
Pour the cooked lentils into the pan, mixing everything together. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the dal is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve hot alongside steamed rice, naan, or enjoy as a hearty soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
602 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.5 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 2409 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 65.3 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.6 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 183 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1508 mg | 32% | |
*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.
