Red Lentil Dahl

Warm, comforting, and bursting with aromatic spices, this Red Lentil Dahl is a quick and easy recipe that transforms humble ingredients into an irresistible dish. Perfectly spiced with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a hint of cayenne, this creamy lentil curry gets its rich texture from coconut milk and its vibrant zing from a splash of fresh lime juice. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a wholesome, protein-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned Indian food lover or new to plant-based cooking, this vegan and gluten-free dahl is sure to become a comforting favorite in your recipe rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, grated fresh ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Mix in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 8

Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the dahl has thickened.

Step 9

Season with salt and stir well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 10

Remove the dahl from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot with rice or your favorite naan bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1177.6 grams (1177.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1156

Total Fat 87.20g	112%
Saturated Fat 54.80g	274%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2456mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 86.40g	31%
Dietary Fiber 22.20g	79%
Total Sugars 22.50g
Protein 28.00g	56%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 251mg	19%
Iron 22mg	120%
Potassium 2262mg	48%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.2%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 27.8%