Name: Red Lentil Dahl (Vegan!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: indian
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, grated; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups vegetable broth (plus more as needed); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp curry powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Cooked rice or naan, for serving

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Red Lentil Dahl is a comforting, nutrient-dense, and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of Indian spices to your table. Made with protein-packed red lentils, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk, this vegan-friendly dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep staple, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Red lentils cook faster than other legumes, making this dish perfect for a speedy meal.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this dish supports overall health.
Comforting and Flavorful: The blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala gives it a deep, aromatic taste.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup makes this dish even more appealing for busy days.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice levels, add vegetables, or swap ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

Ingredients

red lentils
onion
garlic
ginger
coconut milk
diced tomatoes
vegetable broth
cumin
coriander
turmeric
garam masala
curry powder
salt
pepper
fresh cilantro
lemon or lime juice
cooked rice or naan (for serving)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to toast the spices, allowing their flavors to develop.
Incorporate the Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the lentils are fully submerged.
Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the dahl thickens too much, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Freshness: Once the lentils are soft and the dahl has thickened, squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with cooked rice or warm naan bread.

Variations

Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili.
Creamier Texture: Stir in an extra splash of coconut milk before serving.
Protein Boost: Mix in chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I make this dahl thicker or thinner?

For a thicker dahl, let it simmer uncovered longer, or mash some lentils with the back of a spoon. To thin it out, add more broth or coconut milk.

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?

Red lentils work best as they cook faster and break down for a creamy texture. Green or brown lentils require a longer cook time and will have a firmer texture.

Is red lentil dahl spicy?

This recipe has a mild to moderate spice level. Adjust by increasing or decreasing the chili or curry powder.

Can I make this without coconut milk?

Yes! Substitute with almond milk, cashew cream, or extra vegetable broth for a different texture.

What can I serve with dahl besides rice or naan?

Try quinoa, roti, pita, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices on the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Allow a natural release before opening.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the increased volume.

What if my dahl is too bland?

Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, spices, or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavors.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! It stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into containers and pair it with rice for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Red Lentil Dahl is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers warmth, nourishment, and satisfaction in every bite. With its rich blend of spices and creamy texture, it’s a staple for vegan and plant-based diets. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing it for the week ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade dahl!

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