Print

One-Pot Green Lentil Dal Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 421 reviews

This 1-Pot Green Lentil Dal is a comforting and flavorful Indian-inspired dish featuring tender green lentils simmered with aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables. It’s a simple, nutritious, and hearty vegetarian recipe perfect for a wholesome meal accompanied by rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentils and Spices

  • 1 cup (190 g) dry green lentils
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot (200 g), finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 red or green chili pepper, seeds removed and chopped

Liquids

  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned coconut milk

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lentils: Sort the dry green lentils to remove any shriveled ones, then rinse them thoroughly. Optionally soak the lentils in lukewarm water for 15 minutes to improve digestibility, then drain.
  2. Prep the vegetables and spices: Finely dice the carrot, onion, chili pepper, and grate the fresh ginger. Mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the coconut or vegetable oil in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then add the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped chili, and diced carrot; stir and lower the heat to low to prevent burning.
  4. Temper the spices (optional for enhanced flavor): In a small pan, heat a little oil and add the ground cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and coriander. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, then add these tempered spices to the pot with the vegetables.
  5. Add lentils and broth: To the pot, add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and the seasoning salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Incorporate coconut milk and thicken: Pour in the canned coconut milk and continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the lentils are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly. Stir regularly to combine flavors.
  8. Optional pureeing: For a creamier texture, puree about 1/4 to 1/3 of the dal using a blender or immersion blender, then stir back into the pot.
  9. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the dal and adjust salt, pepper, or spice levels as desired. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and optionally a dollop of non-dairy yogurt. This dal pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or naan bread.

Notes

  • Green or brown lentils work best for this recipe and cook in about 20-25 minutes when soaked.
  • Sweet potato can be used as a substitute for carrot for a sweeter flavor.
  • Any plant-based cream such as soy or oat cream can replace coconut milk, but coconut milk offers the best flavor balance.
  • Optionally add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.

Keywords: green lentil dal, lentil curry, vegan dal recipe, coconut milk dal, Indian lentil recipe, one pot dal

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/one-pot-green-lentil-dal-recipe/