Name: Dhal – Indian Lentil Curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 People
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup (190g) Dried lentils; 2 tablespoons Oil; 1, chopped Onion; 4-5 cloves, crushed Garlic; 2 tablespoons Grated ginger; 1 tablespoon Curry powder; 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon Cumin; 1 can (14oz/400g) Crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14oz/400g) Coconut milk; 3 cups (720ml) Water; to taste Salt; to taste Black pepper; 1 teaspoon (optional) Garam masala; 2 tablespoons, chopped Coriander

Ready in

55 mins

Cuisine

Indian

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

40 min

Serving

4 People

Calories / Serving

~450 kcal

Recipe by The Cooking Foodie on YouTube

Summary

This recipe features a comforting and flavorful Indian lentil curry, known as Dhal. It's made with dried lentils simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce of sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and coconut milk, seasoned with traditional Indian spices. Perfect for a hearty vegetarian meal, served over rice.

Adjust servings

Tap an ingredient to mark it ready0 of 15 ready

All Ingredients - Main Ingredients

Dried lentils 1 cup (190g)
Oil 2 tablespoons
Onion 1, chopped
Garlic 4-5 cloves, crushed
Grated ginger 2 tablespoons
Curry powder 1 tablespoon
Turmeric 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin 1/2 teaspoon
Crushed tomatoes 1 can (14oz/400g)
Coconut milk 1 can (14oz/400g)
Water 3 cups (720ml)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Garam masala 1 teaspoon (optional)
Coriander 2 tablespoons, chopped

Tools You'll Need

Pan
Strainer

Spice level: HotPack water — this one bites back.

From:GingerCurry powderBlack pepperGaram masala

Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps

No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Coconut milk?
- Equal parts heavy cream + 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- Whole milk + 1 tsp coconut oil (per cup)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom

⚠ Contains Allergens

tree nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Rinse Lentils

Rinse 1 cup (190g) of dried lentils under cold water using a sieve.

Step 2: Sauté Onion

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and until lightly golden, about .

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices

Add 4-5 crushed garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of grated ginger to the pan. Stir in 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Cook for , stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in 1 can (14oz/400g) of crushed tomatoes, 1 can (14oz/400g) of coconut milk, and 3 cups (720ml) of water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Lentils and Bring to a Boil

Add the rinsed lentils to the mixture and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Add Garam Masala (Optional)

Once boiling, add 1 teaspoon of garam masala (optional) and stir to combine.

Step 7: Simmer the Dhal

Cover the pan, the heat to low, and let it for , or until the lentils are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8: Check Seasoning

After , check the seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9: Finish with Coriander

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped coriander.

Step 10: Serve

Serve the hot dhal over white rice.

Pro Tips

• Adjust spice levels to your preference.

• Serve with fresh naan bread or roti for a complete meal.

Variations

• Add spinach or other greens for extra nutrition.

• For a spicier kick, add a chopped green chili with the onions.

• Use red lentils for a quicker cooking time and a creamier texture.

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Dhal – Indian Lentil Curry