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    Home » Dinner » One Pot Meals » Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    Mar 2, 2021 · 17 Comments

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    Easy Red Lentil Dahl is a perfect one pot plant based dish - tasty, healthy and ready in under 20 minutes. Red lentils are cooked with spices in this traditional Indian favorite, which is packed full of protein. Served with rice, it's a great addition to your meal rotation for busy weeknights. It's also naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan.

    If you're a fan of Indian food, a simple Dahl is a great recipe to cook at home. It's also an ideal meat free meal to introduce into your weekly dinners.

    It really is a prep and forget dish - and will simmer away on the stove until you're ready to eat.

    It's perfect served alone. Or if you have the time to take it to the next level you can add some toppings. Crispy fried shallots or onions add some delicious crunch. Plus jalapeños for more heat and cool yoghurt for freshness.

    Why you should make this Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    • Dahl is one of the easiest, hands off recipes you can make. You literally throw everything in a pot and you're done.
    • Currys often taste better a day or two after they're made. Perfect for meal prep - one pan of this will keep you in lunches or dinners for all week.
    • A great make ahead dish, this easy red lentil dhal can also be doubled up to serve a large group. Or serve half the pot for dinner and freeze the rest for later.
    • By making this spicy red lentil dhal recipe at home you have full control over the ingredients. Which is a lot healthier than takeaway.
    • For the budget conscious, this recipe uses inexpensive ingredients pantry staples you may already have in the kitchen.

    What is Dahl?

    Dahl - which can also be spelt Dhal, Daal and Dal - is the the word for split pulses and the term for a thick purée or soup made from beans or lentils. Lentil dal therefore, means soup made of lentils.

    How to Make Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    Find a full printable recipe card with measurements below.

    There are a million different recipes for Dahl but this is a very pared back low maintenance version.

    It could not be more simple. Place all the ingredients into a large pot.

    Bring everything to a boil then turn down to a low simmer. Stir occasionally to stop the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

    Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the dhal has thickened.

    Season to taste and serve with your choice of toppings, if desired.

    Tips For Making Best Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    • The consistency of Dahl should be neither too thin or too thick! If it is too thick feel free to add a little more water. If too thin then simmer a little longer.
    • No red lentils? No problem. You can substitute with green lentils, yellow lentils or brown lentils instead. Just add a little extra cooking time to ensure they are soft.

    How To Serve Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    It's delicious alone or with steamed brown rice and some fresh cilantro/coriander. Don't forget the naan bread for mopping up those juices.

    For an Indian inspired vegetarian meal, serve it alongside my Vegan Chickepea Curry, my Indian Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk or my Easy Chicken Tikka Masala.

    Alternatively if you want to make more of a meal of this dish, its lovely served over a baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.

    If you're looking to lighten things up you can stir some spinach through your dhal until it's just wilted before eating. It's also great with a fried egg on top for a more substantial protein based meal.

    Can I re-heat/freeze Dahl?

    Yes you absolutely can! Dhal will keep in your fridge in an airtight container for 3 days and in the freezer for 3 months.

    To re-heat from frozen defrost thoroughly overnight in the fridge first. Place dhal in a medium saucepan and heat over a medium low heat for around 10 minutes. Stir the dhal occasionally until it is piping hot. Stir in a tablespoon or two of water if the dhal has become too thick.

    Variations of Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    • Feel free to use any type of curry powder. And you can make this dahl as mild or as hot as you like. Feel free to add extra chili powder and hot sauce according to your taste.
    • For a Thai twist, try adding a tablespoon of Thai green curry paste instead of curry powder. Also substitute a cup of water for a cup of coconut water instead. For another great dish with similar flavors, try my Thai Curry Squash & Lentil Soup.
    • Topping with crispy shallots? You can substitute shallots with a yellow onions or red onions instead.
    • Add some extra vegetables to this easy dhal. Wilt through some spinach leaves (frozen spinach will work here too).
    • Serving vegan diners? Top with a spoon of vegan coconut yogurt.
    • For extra richness, stir through 1 cup of coconut milk or light coconut milk before serving.

    Pin This Easy Red Lentil Dahl Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and bowl of cooked yellow lentil dhal garnished with cooked red onion, sliced chili, fresh cilantro leaves and mustard seeds.

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

    Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!

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    Printable Recipe

    Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    Easy Red Lentil Dahl is a perfect plant based dish - tasty, healthy and ready in under 20 minutes. Red lentils are cooked with spices in this traditional Indian favorite, which is packed full of protein. Served with rice, it's a great addition to your midweek meal rotation. It's also naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 327 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups Red Lentils
    • 2 inch Fresh Ginger - peeled and finely grated
    • 2 cloves Fresh Garlic - peeled and crushed
    • 1 tsp Turmeric
    • 2 tsp Curry Powder
    • 1 tsp Chili Powder - optional
    • 5 cups Water or Vegetable Broth - depending on how soupy you like your dhal
    • Sea Salt and Black Pepper - to taste

    Optional Toppings

    • 2 tbsp Butter, Ghee or Vegetable oil
    • 2 Shallots - or an onion, any kind, thinly sliced
    • 1 Jalapeno Pepper - thinly sliced
    • Fresh Cilantro (Coriander)

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the lentils carefully under running water.
    • Place all of the dahl ingredients including the lentils in a large saucepan.
    • Bring the pot to a boil on a medium-high heat, then turn it down to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent anything sticking on the bottom. Taste and season as you go.
    • Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are soft and the dhal has thickened. Taste and season again before serving. Add more water if you want a thinner dhal.
    • Meanwhile if you're adding the shallots as an optional topping, fry them in a frying pan with the butter, ghee or oil. Cook on a medium low heat stirring occasionally, until golden brown, around 10 minutes.
    • Serve the dahl. Optionally top with the golden shallots, thin sliced jalapeno and fresh cilantro/coriander.

    Notes

    Please note that the estimated nutrition calculations do not include the optional toppings. 
    The serving size given is for a generous main portion serving. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 24gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 912mgFiber: 28gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 193IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 7mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This recipe has been shared with the #cookblogshare community, hosted this week by Louise at A Strong Coffee

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura vdB says

      March 03, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is utterly delicious. I’ve made it loads of times and it never disappoints. Really easy, really healthy and a real depth of flavour.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 04, 2021 at 12:36 am

        Thanks so much, so glad you love this dish!

        Reply
    2. Cat | Curly's Cooking says

      March 05, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      I love dahl and this looks delicious. I love how quick it is to make too!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 05, 2021 at 5:39 pm

        It is a staple in our house! So tasty and easy. Thanks so much for your comment.

        Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 18, 2021 at 2:28 pm

        It's one of our favourites! Thanks so much for your comment.

        Reply
    3. Sandhya S says

      March 05, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      5 stars
      We love Red Lentil Dal and it is on my Go To menu weekly with steaming basmati rice.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 05, 2021 at 5:40 pm

        That's awesome, love basmati too.

        Reply
    4. Louise Fairweather says

      March 07, 2021 at 7:45 pm

      This looks lovely! Thanks for sharing #cookblogshare

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 18, 2021 at 2:27 pm

        Thanks so much for your comment! #cookblogshare

        Reply
    5. Chloe Edges says

      March 07, 2021 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      I didn't realise that dhal was so quick and easy so I'm going to give this one a go 🙂

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        March 18, 2021 at 2:27 pm

        Hope you love it! It's so quick to make. Thanks for your comment.

        Reply
    6. Tom says

      January 24, 2022 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      Great Dhal recipe, easy and tasty. We have it with Roasted Tandoori chicken and naan bread, it works perfectly on the side. Great mid-week choice.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        January 26, 2022 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks Tom - so glad you like this one. Sounds great with Tandoori Chicken too.

        Reply
    7. Nicola says

      January 28, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      A simple dish made well with good quality, healthy ingredients.
      We had ours with a fried egg on top for dinner and although filling it’s also very tasty so I always want more.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        January 28, 2022 at 5:50 pm

        Yum - great idea to put an egg on it, so glad you all enjoyed! Thanks so much for your commnent.

        Reply
    8. Seren_Sarah says

      August 09, 2022 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      I cook a lot of Indian food and have been looking for a super simple but tasty Dahl - this is it, thank you! Simple to make with simple ingredients but super tasty, perfect! This will be a new staple in our house 🙂

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        August 09, 2022 at 5:02 pm

        Hi Seren - thanks so much for your comment. So glad to hear that you loved this one... we make it all the time too.

        Reply

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    I'm Jo. As a recipe developer and busy mum of 3, I can help you eat well when time is short! This blog contains loads of delicious, fast and easy-to-achieve recipes. Follow along and feed your family with less stress.

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