Red Lentil Dahl
Red Lentil Dahl is the ultimate one-pot comfort food, marrying vibrant Indian spices with creamy coconut milk for a hearty, aromatic dish that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Featuring protein-packed red lentils, this vegetarian recipe is infused with earthy turmeric, zesty ginger, and a hint of cayenne for a warm, mildly spiced experience. Slow-simmered to perfection, the dahl develops a rich, velvety texture complemented by fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice. Ready in just 45 minutes, this budget-friendly, gluten-free meal pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread, making it a delicious and versatile option for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Perfect for lovers of plant-based recipes and Indian cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Mix in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the dahl has thickened.
Season with salt and stir well. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Remove the dahl from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with rice or your favorite naan bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
384 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.1 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 510 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.5 g | ||
| Protein | 15.3 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 803 mg | 17% | |
*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.
