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Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

This Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal) recipe is a comforting and flavorful Indian dish made with tender red lentils simmered with turmeric and salt, then enhanced with a fragrant tarka of ghee, cumin seeds, onions, green chili, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and garam masala. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish is perfect served with steamed Basmati rice and Indian breads like naan or roti, making it a wholesome, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentils and Seasoning

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric

Tadka (Tempering)

  • 3 Tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 fresh green chili (jalapeño or Serrano), seeded and minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes with their juices
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Juice of one lemon

Instructions

  1. Cook the Lentils: Place 4 cups of water in a medium saucepan and add the rinsed red lentils, kosher salt, and ground turmeric. Cover and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer, cover, and cook until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): While the lentils cook, heat the ghee in a 10-inch deep skillet or medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and fry until they start to pop, about 1 minute. Add the diced onion and minced green chili, sautéing until softened, roughly 5 minutes.
  3. Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Add minced ginger and garlic to the skillet with onions and chili. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, and simmer the mixture until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in garam masala, then remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Combine Lentils and Tadka: Check the lentils; if too watery, simmer uncovered until thickened to your liking. Add the prepared tadka mixture into the lentils and stir well. Finish by stirring in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dal with chopped cilantro and optional chopped tomato. Serve hot with steamed Basmati rice and Indian bread such as naan or roti for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute ghee with oil of your choice, such as vegetable or coconut oil.
  • Adjust the amount of green chili according to your heat preference.
  • Rinsing lentils well ensures a less foamy cooking process and cleaner taste.
  • Dal thickens upon standing; add water if reheating to adjust consistency.
  • Fresh cilantro garnish adds brightness and freshness to the dish.

Keywords: Red Lentil Dal, Masoor Dal, Indian Lentils, Vegan Indian Dal, Gluten Free Indian Recipe, Easy Dal Recipe, Lentil Soup Indian

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/red-lentil-dal-masoor-dal-recipe/