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Red Lentil Dahl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Red Lentil Dahl made with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a rich, hearty dish perfect for a nutritious meal, served alongside rice or flatbread.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups dry red lentils
  • 1 large carrot, finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 heaped tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tbsp sweetener of choice
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under running water. Chop the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, finely dice the carrot, and chop the bell pepper.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced ginger, garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper, cooking together briefly to release their aromas.
  3. Add Spices and Lentils: Stir in the ground cumin, curry powder, sweetener, turmeric, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the rinsed lentils and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to cook the lentils and blend the flavors.
  4. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Pour in the canned coconut milk and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the dahl reaches your desired thickness and creaminess.
  5. Season to Taste: Season with sea salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for balance and flavor.
  6. Serve: Serve the warm red lentil dahl with basmati rice, potatoes, or naan bread. Garnish with fresh herbs of your choice for an extra layer of freshness.

Notes

  • Finely dicing the carrot helps it cook evenly and blend well with the lentils.
  • You can use water instead of vegetable broth, but broth will add more flavor.
  • The sweetener can be sugar, honey, or a sugar substitute depending on your preference.
  • Add red pepper flakes according to how spicy you want the dish.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.

Keywords: red lentil dahl, lentil curry, vegan dahl, Indian lentil recipe, coconut milk dahl, easy lentil stew, vegetarian Indian recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/red-lentil-dahl-recipe/