Vegan Lentil Dal Recipe
A creamy, flavor-packed vegan dal with red lentils, garlic, and bold spices that simmer into total edible therapy. Quick, hearty, budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- Red lentils masoor dal – 1 cup
- Water – 2 ½ cups
- Onion chopped – 1 medium
- Garlic minced – 4 cloves
- Fresh ginger grated – 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds – ½ teaspoon
- Garam masala – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon adjust to taste
- Oil coconut or olive – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh cilantro – 2 tablespoons for garnish
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon optional but wow
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils until water runs clear. Drain and set aside like the emotionally unavailable guy you’re finally ignoring.
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them pop like your inbox after Monday.
- Toss in onions and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Add garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant.
- Mix in turmeric and garam masala. Let everything mingle for 30 seconds like gossip at brunch.
- Add lentils and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Cover partially.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils turn creamy and thick enough to impress.
- Add salt and lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro like you’re hosting a dinner party for your therapist.
- Serve hot with rice, roti, or by the spoonful in bed. Judgment-free zone.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 14 g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 22%
- Folate: 36%
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Magnesium: 15%
- Vitamin C: 9%
Additional Notes/Tips
- Add spinach in the last 5 minutes for bonus nutrition (and to feel morally superior).
- Swap water with veggie broth for deeper flavor.
- Leftovers thicken overnight—great for scooping with naan.
- Freeze portions for lazy weeknight wins.
- Add chili flakes if you like it hot (no judgment if you don’t).