Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Simple Lentil Dal Dahl, a comforting and nutritious dish that's both easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. Featuring hearty red lentils simmered in aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this recipe is enriched with creamy coconut milk and vibrant tomatoes for a velvety texture. Fresh ginger and garlic provide depth, while a final garnish of cilantro and lime juice adds brightness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is the perfect crowd-pleaser, whether served with fluffy steamed rice, warm naan bread, or enjoyed as a standalone, soul-soothing soup. Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed plant-based meal!
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a large saucepan or pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the fresh ginger. Add them to the heated oil, stirring often, and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Add the turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground paprika. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and let them simmer for 2-3 minutes, breaking them down with your spoon.
Add the rinsed lentils and water to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The lentils should be soft and creamy.
Stir in the coconut milk, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice, naan bread, or as a standalone soup.
Calories |
786 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.9 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.5 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 2763 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96.8 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.7 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.2 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 302 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1948 mg | 41% | |
*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.