Description
This Easy Red Lentil Dahl is a comforting and delicious Indian-inspired dish that makes everyday dinners feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed well
- 1 medium yellow onion, fine dice
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 4 cups water
- 1 – [ 14.5 oz. ] can petite diced tomatoes
Spice/Herb Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin (+/-)
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder (+/-)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons garam masala (+/-)
- ½ teaspoon regular chili powder (+/-)
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard powder (+/-)
- ¼ teaspoon coriander (+/-)
- ¼ to 1 ¼ teaspoons sea salt (+/-)
- Pinch to 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (+/-)
Other Ingredients:
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional Ingredients:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro
Serving Ideas:
- Steamed rice
- Naan, pita, or flatbread
- Simple salad
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils really with cold water for several minutes until the water is clear and no longer foamy, set aside.
- Place all the Spice/Herb Ingredients into a small bowl, whisk well, set aside.
- In a large stockpot, sauté the diced onions over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes until they start to become tender. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking/burning if needed.
- Reduce the heat and add the minced garlic and minced ginger, sauté for 1 minute, then add the Spice/Herb Mix and sauté for 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- Then add all the remaining Base Ingredients (including the rinsed red lentils). Stir well, increase the heat and bring to a rolling boil, add the baking soda, stir well, then reduce the heat to a low-percolating boil. Boil uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes or until lentils are very soft, stirring occasionally.
- Once the dahl has thickened and has become creamy and consists of a porridge-like consistency, the lentils are perfectly tender, and all (or nearly all) the liquids have been absorbed into the lentils, then add the lemon juice, then simmer for several minutes. Then remove the pot from the stove, cover with a tight-fitting lid and allow to sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
- After 10 minutes, stir well, then serve with naan (or flatbread) and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Notes
Please reference the blog post for Tips for Success, Pantry Items Used, Storage and Freezing, and Kitchen Products Used.
Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
Serving: 4 (makes 5 ½ cups)