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    Home » Main Recipes

    Quick and Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    Published: Oct 7, 2022 by Natsuko · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This red lentil dahl is so rich and flavorful, packed with plant protein and fiber. Enjoy this incredibly easy one-pot meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    dairy free gluten free lentil dahl recipe
    Jump to:
    • What are red lentils?
    • What does red lentil dahl taste like?
    • Ingredients for this recipe
    • How to make red lentil dahl
    • How to store red lentil dahl
    • You may also like...
    • Recipe

    What are red lentils?

    Red lentils have been a staple food in my pantry for the longest time. Unlike majority of other dry beans, lentils do not need to be soaked ahead of time, meaning they can be used on a whim! 

    Among different colors of lentils you see out there, red lentils work the best for stews and soups as they are a softer kind. They cook fast in about 15 - 20 minutes. 

    Red lentils are rich in protein and substances, making it a great main dish even on our ‘no-meat’ days. I also love their gorgeous orange pink color that brightens up the dinner table.

    What does red lentil dahl taste like?

    This red lentil dahl is loaded with aromatic ingredients such as garlic, ginger and a mix of dry spices (smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric). The the coconut milk makes it super rich and creamy while adding a subtle sweetness.

    There is also a slight tanginess from the tomatoes, and a drizzle of lemon juice added at the end. Although there are different flavor profiles in one place, the simmering process allows them to blend perfectly, making this dish irresistibly delicious!

    dairy free gluten free lentil dahl recipe

    Ingredients for this recipe

    • Olive oil
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Fresh ginger
    • Smoked paprika powder
    • Ground turmeric
    • Ground cumin
    • Dried red lentils
    • Canned diced tomatoes
    • Full fat coconut milk - Lite coconut milk works but the dahl will not be as rich.
    • Vegetable broth
    • Salt
    • Lemon juice - Lime juice works as well

    How to make red lentil dahl

    1. Heat up the olive oil in a large pan. Cook the onion until tender.
    2. Add in the garlic, grated ginger and cook until fragrant.
    3. Add in the spices - smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin. Cook for about 1 minute.
    4. Add in the lentils, diced tomatoes with the juice in the can, coconut milk, vegetable broth and salt. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 -20 minutes over low heat until the lentils are soft. 
    5. Stir in the lemon juice at the end and serve over rice! 
    onion and spices in a pot.
    dairy free gluten free lentil dahl ingredients in a pot.

    How to store red lentil dahl

    Cooked lentil dahl can be refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Microwave or cook over the stovetop to reheat.

    dairy free gluten free lentil dahl recipe

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    Recipe

    red lentil dahl over white rice

    Quick and Easy Red Lentil Dahl

    This red lentil dahl is so rich and flavorful, packed with plant protein and fiber. Enjoy this incredibly easy one-pot meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is gluten-free and vegan.
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    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 349 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 large onion chopped
    • 5 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1½ cup dry red lentils rinsed and drained
    • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz/ 396g size can
    • 1 can full fat coconut milk 13.5 oz/ 383g size can
    • 3 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
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    Instructions
     

    • Heat up the olive oil in a large pan. Cook the onion until tender. 
    • Add in the garlic, grated ginger and cook until fragrant.
    • Add in the spices - smoked paprika, turmeric, cumin. Cook for about 1 minute.
    • Add in the lentils, diced tomatoes with the juice in the can, coconut milk, vegetable broth and salt. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 -20 minutes over low heat until the lentils are soft. 
    • Stir in the lemon juice at the end. Serve over rice of your choice.

    Notes

    Nutrient for rice is not included.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 349kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 880mgPotassium: 827mgFiber: 16gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 936IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 8mg

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @platesbynat or tag #platesbynat!

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    Natsuko Tiong, author of food blog: Plates by Nat

    Hi I’m Natsuko – recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind this blog. Made in Japan, based in Colorado US. Favorite things include peanut butter, matcha, and traveling!

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