Red Lentil Dal
4 servings10 min prep30 min cookEasy
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The Tale of Red Lentil Dal
Story updated
Dal is a foundational dish across the Indian subcontinent, with lentils cultivated there for thousands of years. Red lentil dal is especially common because red lentils cook quickly and break down into a smooth, comforting stew, making it a daily staple in many South Asian households.
Ingredients
Scale:· 4 servings
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- 1Combine the lentils, water, and turmeric in a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils break down and soften into a thick, porridge-like consistency.
- 2Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
- 3Add the onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden, then add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds more.
- 4Stir in the tomato and garam masala, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomato softens.
- 5Pour this spiced mixture into the cooked lentils and stir to combine, simmering for another 5 minutes.
- 6Season with salt to taste, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot over rice.
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