Easy Dal
Easy homemade dal recipe with red lentils, warm spices, and simple ingredients. Ready in 40 minutes—vegan, gluten-free, and gut-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed thoroughly
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 medium carrots, diced into small cubes
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon ghee or additional coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 8-10 fresh curry leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the red lentils under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear, then set them aside in a fine-mesh strainer.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 3
Add the diced onions to the hot oil and sauté, stirring frequently, until they turn soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- 5
Add the diced carrots and chopped tomato to the pot, then sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, stirring constantly to coat everything in the spices, about 1 minute.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils, stirring well to combine.
- 7
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to medium-low heat and cover with a lid.
- 8
Simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have completely broken down into a creamy consistency.
- 9
Taste the dal and season with sea salt and black pepper, adjusting to your preference.
- 10
While the dal finishes cooking, prepare the tempering by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee in a small skillet over medium heat.
- 11
Add the mustard seeds to the warm ghee and cook until they begin to pop and crackle, about 30-45 seconds.
- 12
Add the fresh curry leaves to the skillet and let them sizzle briefly until they darken slightly and become fragrant, about 20-30 seconds.
- 13
Pour the entire tempering mixture (ghee, seeds, and leaves) directly into the cooked dal and stir to distribute evenly throughout.
- 14
Transfer the dal to serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- 15
Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, accompanied by rice or flatbread if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| red lentils | yellow lentils or split peas | Both cook to similar creaminess and provide comparable protein and fiber content |
| ghee | extra virgin olive oil | Reduces saturated fat while adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory polyphenols |
| vegetable broth | low-sodium chicken broth or homemade bone broth | Adds depth of umami flavor and provides additional minerals; bone broth supports gut health with collagen |
| coconut oil | avocado oil | Higher smoke point prevents oxidation, provides lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health |
| 1 medium tomato | 1/2 cup diced bell pepper plus 2 tablespoons tomato paste | Increases vegetable variety and fiber while controlling added sugars from fresh tomatoes |
| sea salt | pink Himalayan salt | Contains trace minerals including potassium and magnesium that support electrolyte balance |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 265 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Carbohydrates | 37g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 16g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
