Simple Indian Masoor Dal: A Cozy Red Lentil Curry for Beginners
A comforting, beginner-friendly Indian-style masoor dal made with quick-cooking red lentils, tomato, ginger, garlic, and warm spices. Serve this creamy vegetarian curry with rice, naan, or warm flatbread.
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable oil (15 mL)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 2 g
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, about 1 cup (150 g)
- 3 garlic cloves minced, about 1 tablespoon (9 g)
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger 6 g
- 1 medium tomato finely chopped, about 1 cup (180 g)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 3 g
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander 2 g
- 1/2 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder or sweet paprika 1 g
- 1 cup dry red lentils/masoor dal rinsed well (200 g)
- 3 1/2 cups water 830 mL
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste (4 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala 1 g
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 15 mL
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for serving (4 g, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and sizzling.
- Add the onion and cook, stirring often, for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened and lightly golden at the edges. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato, turmeric, ground coriander, and Kashmiri chili powder. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring and pressing the tomato with the spoon, until it softens into a thick, fragrant base.
- Stir in the rinsed red lentils, water, and salt. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring once or twice so the lentils do not settle on the bottom.
- Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Partially cover the pot and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are very tender and the dal is creamy.
- Stir in the garam masala and lemon juice. For a looser consistency, stir in a splash of hot water. Taste and add more salt if needed. Serve hot with cilantro, rice, naan, or flatbread.