Description
The Best Dal Recipe is a healthy, hearty, and soul-soothing Indian lentil dish made with red split lentils, fresh spices, and simple ingredients. This protein-packed and creamy dal is easy to prepare and customizable to be mild or spicy, perfect for any season and budget-friendly cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup red split lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
- 4 cups water or vegetable stock
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (fresh or canned)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
Optional Variations
- Additional green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy tropical twist
- Vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced carrots
- Mustard seeds for South Indian style tempering
- Garam masala or ground coriander for extra spice flavor
Instructions
- Prep Your Lentils: Rinse the red split lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or excess starch. Soaking them for about 20 minutes is optional but helps to shorten cooking time and create a silkier texture.
- Cook Lentils to Tenderness: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with water or stock, add turmeric powder, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lentils are soft and starting to break apart.
- Create the Flavor Base: While the lentils cook, heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to pop. Sauté finely chopped onions until golden brown, then add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies for a fragrant sauté.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they are soft and pulpy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper if using. Optionally, add garam masala or ground coriander for extra spice.
- Combine Lentils and Tempering: Pour the cooked lentils into the tomato-onion mixture and stir gently to combine. Adjust consistency with more water if desired. Let the dal simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves over the dal. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice, a dollop of yogurt, crispy fried onions, or toasted cumin seeds before serving.
Notes
- Rinse well: Proper rinsing prevents the dal from becoming overly foamy or bitter.
- Use fresh spices: Whole spices toasted before grinding add incredible depth compared to pre-ground ones.
- Control consistency: Adjust the water quantity during cooking for creamier or soupier dal.
- Cook low and slow: Gentle simmering helps develop flavors and soft textures without breaking the lentils apart too much.
- Don’t skip the tempering: The tadka or seasoning adds a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dal recipe, red lentils, masoor dal, Indian lentil dish, healthy dal, vegan dal, comfort food, protein rich, gluten free
