Go Back
–+ servings
dahl recipe.
Print

30-Minute Lentil Dahl Recipe

My cozy and comforting red lentil dahl recipe features perfectly tender lentils simmered flavor-packed stew. It's made in one pot and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Watch the video below to see how I make it in my kitchen.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 479kcal
Author Arman Liew

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 tablespoon ginger peeled and grated
  • 1 teaspoon garam marsala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 7 ounces red lentils rinsed and drained
  • 14 ounces canned tomatoes diced
  • 13 ounces canned coconut milk full fat
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 large lemon juiced
  • 1 cup baby spinach loosely packed

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in the large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and saute until translucent.
    spices and onion and garlic in a pot.
  • Add the garam masala, turmeric, ground coriander, cumin, and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring for a minute. Add lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, and stir well. Season with salt and pepper and let the mixture boil.
    coconut cream, red lentils, tomato puree, and broth in a pot.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, occasionally stirring for 20 minutes until the liquid is reduced.
    coconut milk and spices in pot.
  • Pour in the lemon juice and spinach and cook until it wilts. 
    lentils, spinach, and coconut milk in a pot.
  • Remove the dahl from the heat and serve with rice and naan.

Video

Notes

TO STORE. Keep the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
TO FREEZE. Dahl freezes very well for about three months! Let the leftovers thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
TO REHEAT. Either reheat the lentil dahl in a pot on the stove or zap it in the microwave until it’s warmed through. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 27g | Sodium: 921mg | Potassium: 1141mg | Fiber: 20g | Vitamin A: 1268IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 7mg | NET CARBS: 29g