Easy Dal Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 11, 2025

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Easy Dal Recipe: A Simple Guide to Delicious Indian Lentil Soup

Dal, a staple in Indian cuisine, is a hearty and nutritious lentil soup that's surprisingly easy to make. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick weeknight meal. Let's dive into the ingredients and steps!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste and what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with spices!

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal): Red lentils cook quickly and create a smooth, creamy texture. You can substitute with yellow lentils (toor dal) for a slightly different consistency, but increase cooking time.
• 3 cups water: Adjust this depending on your desired consistency. More water = thinner dal.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a base flavor.
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, savory note.
• 1 inch ginger, grated: Offers warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder: Adds color and a slightly earthy flavor. It's also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder: A warm and slightly bitter spice.
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder: A milder spice with a citrusy hint.
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste): Adds heat; omit if you prefer a mild dal.
• Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil: For sautéing the aromatics. You can also use coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and vibrancy. A sprinkle of lime juice also makes a great garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the ghee or oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. Bloom the Spices: Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder to the pot. Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step releases the full flavor of the spices.

3. Add Lentils and Water: Add the red lentils and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are completely cooked and soft.

4. Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother dal, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the dal after it's cooked.

5. Season and Serve: Stir in salt to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan bread, or roti.

Tips for the Best Easy Dal:

• Don't overcook the dal: Overcooked dal can become mushy. Check for doneness around 15 minutes and adjust cooking time as needed.
• Adjust spices to your preference: Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations and amounts to create your own unique flavor profile.
• Add vegetables: Enhance your dal by adding vegetables like spinach, carrots, or potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead: Dal tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

This easy dal recipe is a fantastic starting point for your Indian cooking journey. Enjoy the delicious and healthy results! Remember to share your culinary creations with #EasyDalRecipe on social media!