Masoor Dal – Indian Lentils

This Masoor Dal is a comforting, vibrant red lentil stew that brings the warmth of Indian home cooking to your table. The lentils break down into a creamy, velvety texture, infused with the earthy warmth of turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Aromatics like garlic, onion, cinnamon, and cardamom add depth, while the addition of blended coconut milk creates a rich, slightly sweet finish. Topped with fresh tomatoes, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm naan bread. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty vegetarian meal, this dal is simple to make yet packed with complex flavors. It's a reliable favorite that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for everyday comfort food without sacrificing taste or authenticity.

Cooking Method: Boiling, Frying

Cuisine: Indian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 3

Calories: 599

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This Masoor Dal is a comforting, vibrant red lentil stew that brings the warmth of Indian home cooking to your table. The lentils break down into a creamy, velvety texture, infused with the earthy warmth of turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Aromatics like garlic, onion, cinnamon, and cardamom add depth, while the addition of blended coconut milk creates a rich, slightly sweet finish. Topped with fresh tomatoes, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm naan bread. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty vegetarian meal, this dal is simple to make yet packed with complex flavors. It's a reliable favorite that comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for everyday comfort food without sacrificing taste or authenticity.

Ingredients

Masoor Dal (Pink Lentils)
Onion, thinly sliced
Garlic, thinly sliced
Ghee or Oil
Ground Coriander
Ground Cumin
Ground Turmeric
Ground Chili
Cardamom Pods
Cloves
Stick of Cinnamon
Salt
Desiccated Coconut
Tomatoes

Directions

1
Rinse the Masoor Dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
2
Place the lentils in a saucepan and cover with about 3 cups of water.
3
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the lentils are soft and starting to break down, about 15-20 minutes.
4
Meanwhile, heat the ghee or oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
5
Add the sliced onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7
Add the cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pan, stirring briefly to toast the spices.
8
Pour the cooked lentils and their cooking liquid into the spice mixture.
9
Stir well to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water to reach a soupy consistency.
10
Add the salt and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11
In a blender, combine the desiccated coconut with 2/3 cup of water and blend until smooth to create a coconut milk.
12
Pour the coconut milk into the dal and stir to incorporate.
13
Chop the tomatoes into quarters and fold them into the dal just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 599kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 50.2g78%
Saturated Fat 29.5g148%
Cholesterol 1mg1%
Sodium 7360mg307%
Total Carbohydrate 44.8g15%
Dietary Fiber 22.8g92%
Sugars 9.5g
Protein 6.5g13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/masoor-dal-indian-lentils/