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Indian Red Lentil Dal

This delicious Indian lentil curry made with red lentils is easy to make, flavorful, and super healthy! It is high in fiber and protein, low in fat and calories, and naturally vegan and gluten-free! This recipe requires a few ingredients that you wouldn’t typically have in the kitchen but are easily available and can be super useful in adding extra flavor to your Indian dishes!

Ingredients

  • 1 cups dry masoor dal (aka red lentils), well rinsed

  • 4 cups water

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

  • 1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced

  • 1 tbsp curry powder

  • 1 tsp red chili powder

  • 1 tsp whole cumin

  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 tsp salt, more to taste

  • 1 small tomato, diced

Instructions

  1. Combine the lentils and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. Cook, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, usually 15-20 minutes.

  2. While the lentils are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the oil.

  3. Drop in the whole cumin and bay leaf and stir until the cumin is a darker brown.

  4. Add onion, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt. Fry until soft, about 5 minutes.

  5. Add the curry powder and red chili powder and cook for about 60 seconds.

  6. Add the tomatoes.

  7. Cook for about 7 minutes or till the tomatoes are soft.

  8. Add this mixture to the cooked lentils and simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes to infuse with flavor. (If you want a more runny dal, you can add some water before simmering depending on the consistency you want)

  9. Serve hot with roti/naan/chapatti or basmati rice!