Want to spice up your food and make it more enjoyable? Try our favorite lentil dhal recipe. It’s a healthy, filling food that’s great for any event.
When you mix red lentils, spices, and savory herbs together, you get a hearty, healthy meal that will definitely please your taste buds. Our simple recipe will help you make this great Indian comfort food, no matter how much cooking experience you have or how new you are to the kitchen.
Lentil dhal is a flexible food that goes well with rice, naan bread, or even just by itself. It has strong flavors and a creamy texture. Get ready to take your home cooking to a whole new level with this tasty lentil dhal recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut oil works well)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
Run cold water over the lentils until the water is clear. Remove the water and set it aside.
Set the oil on medium heat in a big pot. Put in the cumin and mustard seeds and cook them until they begin to pop.
Cut up the onion and garlic and grate the ginger into the pot. For about 5 minutes, stir the onions every now and then until they are soft and clear.
Add the cumin, coriander, cilantro, and garam masala that has been ground. Stir the spices around all the time for another two minutes, or until they smell good.
Put the chopped tomatoes in the pot and cook for a few minutes, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
Add the lentils that have been cleaned and the water. Mix things together well.
Once the mixture starts to boil, lower the heat and leave it to simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and the dhal is the consistency you like. To keep things from sticking, stir every so often.
Taste it and add more salt if you think it needs it.
Serve the lentil dhal hot with chopped cilantro leaves on top. Serve with naan bread or cooked rice.
This lentil dhal recipe is flexible, so feel free to change the herbs and spices to suit your tastes. Have fun!
FAQs:
1. What makes lentil dhal a healthy meal option? Lentil dhal is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great source of plant-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, lentils are low in fat and cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy option.
2. Can I customize the spices in the lentil dhal recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the amount of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala according to your liking. Experiment with different spice combinations to create a dhal that’s perfect for you.