Red Lentil Dal

Name: Red Lentil Dal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 3 cups water; 1/2 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 roma tomato, diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

A comforting dish made with simmered red lentils and finished with a fragrant tempered spice oil.

35 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

IndianDinnerStovetopVeganVegetarianHigh FiberKosher-styleGluten-FreeNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreePork-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup red lentils, rinsed
3 cups water
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 roma tomato, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1

Combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and half of the 1 tsp salt in a pot.
2

Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until tender.
3

In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat and add 1 tsp cumin seeds until sizzling.
4

Add 1 diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 5 minutes until soft.
5

Stir in 1 diced roma tomato and the remaining 1 tsp salt, cooking for 3 minutes until softened.
6

Pour the warm tomato mixture into the cooked lentils, stir well, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Red Lentil Dal?

As written, 35 minutes: 10 of prep and 25 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 2 (15 minutes): "Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until tender."

What can I use instead of cilantro in Red Lentil Dal?

The entry for Red Lentil Dal calls for 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped. In its place: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime, for anyone who tastes soap. The dish loses its signature note but stays fresh.

How many calories are in Red Lentil Dal?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 280 calories, with 14 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat, plus 10 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Red Lentil Dal keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Red Lentil Dal within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Red Lentil Dal?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Halved, the lentils drops from 1 cup to 1/2 cup; doubled, it is 2 cups. Every line in this entry carries its half and double quantity, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Boondi Raita side
Boiled Egg Salad salad
Yogurt Marinade for Tandoori Chicken sauce
Ginger Turmeric Tonic drink

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