Spicy Dal

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Spicy Dal, an aromatic and protein-packed Indian dish that's as flavorful as it is nutritious. Made with tender red lentils (Masoor Dal) simmered to creamy perfection, this recipe is elevated by a sizzling tempering (tadka) of cumin and mustard seeds, caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, and a kick of green chili. Infused with bold spices like garam masala, red chili powder, and ground coriander, and rounded out with fresh cilantro and a pop of optional lemon, this vibrant dish is perfect alongside fluffy basmati rice, soft naan, or hearty roti. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, it's an easy, spice-filled solution for a wholesome, plant-based meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a satisfying yet simple comfort food classic.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 45 min
• Servings: 4 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

17 items

• 1 cup Red lentils (Masoor Dal)
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
• 1 Green chili (finely chopped)
• 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 0.5 Lemon (optional, for serving)

📝 Instructions

12 steps

1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a medium pot, combine the lentils, water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils become soft and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the dal thickens too much, add a little more water.

4. While the lentils cook, prepare the tempering (tadka). Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.

5. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them sizzle and pop for a few seconds.

6. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.

7. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

8. Add the chopped tomato and cook until the tomato softens, about 3-4 minutes.

9. Mix in the red chili powder, ground coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 1 more minute.

10. Pour the tempering mixture into the pot with the cooked lentils. Mix well.

11. Let the dal simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust salt to taste if needed.

12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or roti. Optionally, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (1493.7g)

Calories		605
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		30.6 g	39%
	Saturated Fat	4.2 g	21%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0.0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		2417 mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate		68.1 g	25%
	Dietary Fiber	23.5 g	84%
	Total Sugars	13.4 g
Protein		23.2 g	46%
Vitamin D		0.0 mcg	0%
Calcium		224 mg	17%
Iron		12.1 mg	67%
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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 275 cal (43.0%%)

Protein: 92 cal (14.5%%)

Carbs: 272 cal (42.5%%)