If you are not a fan of lentils, I dare you to try this lentil dal, because I swear it will get anyone to like lentils! Lentil dal, often referred to simply as “dal,” is a popular Indian dish made from lentils, which are legumes. It’s a staple in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed in various regions with slight variations in ingredients and preparation methods. It is creamy, flavorful, and truly one of my favorite vegetarian dishes!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Red Lentils – This is the main ingredient to lentil dal. Red lentils are much different than ordinary lentils in how they cook. When they cook they often burst and create a soft thick texture that is much more enjoyable than normal lentils. I would not substitute this ingredient without it completely changing the whole dish!
  • Onions and Mushrooms – These are the main vegetables in this dish. Either are totally optional, however both add great flavor. You can also add items like bell peppers to this dish.
  • Ginger, Garlic, Jalepenos – These are the main flavoring aromatics to this dish. If you don’t like one of these, omit. Lemongrass would also be a great addition here.
  • The Spices – This recipe calls for a lot of spices from curry, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. They are used in small amounts and not overly spicy, so I encourage the use of all of them.
  • Vegetable Stock – I used vegetable stock here to make this dish vegetarian, however you can use any stock you like.
  • Coconut Milk – Coconut milk adds a richness and creaminess to this dish. You can also use heavy cream here instead.
  • Ghee – Ghee is the main fat used in India for cooking. It is clarified butter and has a great nutty flavor. You can use any fat here in place of ghee, such as butter or avocado oil.

What to Serve Lentil Dal With:

@kellyscleankitchen

How to make lentil dal – ish lentils #lentildal #lentils #cooking

♬ Oui oui oui oui – Sacha Distel
  • SERVINGS:  6
  • PREP TIME: 20 Mins
  • COOK TIME: 45 Mins
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 Hr 5 Min

This is great with a classic rice pilaf!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 white onion ,chopped
  • ½ inch ginger, minced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 1 tbsp Curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups red lentils
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 1 cup cilantro, minced
  • 4 green onions, sliced for garnish

Preparation:

STEP 1.

In a pot over medium heat, add the ghee. Once warmed, saute the mushrooms until cooked through, salting at the end. Add the onions and saute until translucent. Salt as you go. Takes around 10-15 minutes total. Once cooked, add the ginger, garlic and jalapeno and saute another two minutes until fragrant. Add the cumin, coriander, curry and turmeric and saute another 2 minutes until fragrant, toasting the spices.

STEP 2.

Stir in the vegetable stock, coconut milk, red lentils, lime juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the pot up to a low simmer and top with a lid. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are cooked through and soft, stirring every few minutes.

STEP 3.

Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly. Serve and garnish with green onions, enjoy!

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