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The Best Dal Ever

A rich and comforting Indian lentil curry made with tender lentils, aromatic spices, garlic, and ginger. Creamy, flavorful, and perfect served with rice or naan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dal
  • 1 cup red lentils rinsed
  • 3 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Skillet or pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water.
  2. Simmer lentils with water or broth for about 20 minutes until soft.
  3. In another pan heat oil or ghee and sauté onion until softened.
  4. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
  6. Add turmeric, cumin, garam masala, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  7. Combine cooked lentils with the spice mixture.
  8. Simmer together for 5–10 minutes and garnish with cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of ghee or coconut milk before serving.