Vegan Red Lentil Dal (Masoor Dal Tadka)
A hearty Indian dish of spiced red lentils simmered to a luxuriant stew, perfect over rice or with a side of naan. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dry red lentils, rinsed
- 5 cups water
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp black or yellow mustard seeds
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 10 fresh curry leaves*
- 1/2 inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 green chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (or 1 tsp red pepper flakes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 14-oz can coconut milk
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- juice of one lime
Instructions
- Cook the lentils. Place lentils in a saucepan with water, and bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, cooking uncovered until the lentils begin to break down, about 20 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the top during cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the tadka. In the meantime, heat coconut oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add mustard and cumin seeds. Cover and wait for mustard seeds to pop, then immediately add chopped onion, curry leaves, ginger, chilies and a pinch of salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes until onions are softened and translucent. Add garlic and remaining spices, and cook for 60 seconds, then add tomatoes, stirring and cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Combine the lentils, tadka, and coconut milk. Add the spice mixture and coconut milk to the lentils, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded. Add lime juice, then taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot over basmati rice, garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- *Curry leaves have a strong aromatic flavor, comparable to citrus and lemongrass, and is not related to curry powder. If you can’t find curry leaves, substitute 3-4 dry bay leaves and the zest of one lime.
Find it online: https://theplantbasedwok.com/vegan-red-lentil-dal-masoor-dal/