I think Indian food is very misunderstood in this country. Many people have the impression it’s overly spicy, heavy and greasy. Perhaps it’s because there aren’t a plethora of great Indian restaurants here and very often the not-so-great ones do serve oily, creamy dishes. Who knows, but that’s not what Indian food is all about. I started experimenting with Indian-inspired recipes about a year ago and fell in love.
I am especially crazy about the many versions of Dal, which simply means “lentils.” (By now you’ve figured out the name of this recipe is somewhat redundant, “Red Lentil Lentil.”) The lentils used in Dal are not the brown or French lentils commonly eaten here, but a split lentil which almost looks like a lentil flake. What is so fantastic about these lentils is that they cook up quickety-quick so they are perfect for a last minute meal.
What’s lucky for me is that Mr. Picky loves lentils. Yeah, yeah, how can I call him picky if he eats lentils? Because he won’t eat a hundred other things that most kids do eat! Regardless, his palate has been developing slowly and I was thrilled when he tried brown lentils for the first time. From that moment on, all lentils were fair game. Sure enough, after I told him this dal was “lentils,” he shrugged his shoulders and said “OK, I’ll have some.” Happy dance! 
Dal is very nutritious (loaded with fiber, protein and iron) and easy to digest. Since the lentils are split, they don’t hold their shape the way common lentils do. In fact, they become kind of mushy which I find to be so comforting. Mmmmmmm! But like I mentioned, split lentils can be made so many different ways — from thin and watery to stick-a-fork-in-it-thick. The lentils themselves have a very subtle flavor and benefit from some flavorful (and very anti-inflammatory) spices. That doesn’t mean dal has to be hot spicy. This version here is soupy, but not brothy, flavorful, but not overpowering — for me, it’s just right. But the beauty of dal is that you can make this to suit your taste. Since the kids started school, I have been working quite a bit more and lately I have been feeling a little out of balance. You know when you just need a comfy blanket and a little R&R? Dal to the rescue! 
Red Lentil Dal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Tablespoons ghee
- 1 ½ teaspoons mustard seeds
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 large tomato, peeled, seeded and diced
- 2-3 teaspoons sea salt, based on saltiness of stock
- 1 ½ cups red lentils, or any other split lentils
- 4 cups water or vegetable stock
- Accompaniments: whole, plain yogurt, cucumber raita and/or naan
Instructions
- Melt ghee in a soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the mustard seeds and cook until they start to pop, about 1 minute.
- Add the garlic, ginger and remaining spices. Sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the onion, carrot and tomato. Sprinkle with salt and cook until just tender.
- Add lentils and stir to coat with the vegetables and spices. Pour in the water or stock and bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until lentils are broken up, about 20 minutes. Taste for seasonings. Serve on its own or with a dollop of yogurt or raita.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Thank you! Delicious & I bet it’ll be even better tomorrow. So much fun first time making dal and using mustard seeds (they really pop!). Does this freeze well? I want to save some for the weekend.
Yes, this freezes beautifully. Glad to hear you gave this recipe a try!
Pamela, have you ever used fresh cilantro to replace coriander? I haven’t used coriander before but did a quick search on it. Someone said you could use fresh cilantro (which I have on hand). Any other substitutes?
Yes, actually I have! I have done a version of this with fresh cilantro and chopped kale and it’s delicious. Haven’t had a second to photograph it though!
Hi Pamela when do you add the chopped kale and cilantro to this recipe?
Hi Michelle. Kale and cilantro are not listed in this recipe, but if you want to add it, you certainly can. I would add kale at the end and cook it for 5 minutes or until wilted. Cilantro can be added when serving.
what could you serve this with to make a dinner?
dal is almost always served with rice, and then I would include a sauteed leafy green vegetable or some roasted green beans or roasted cauliflower
Can you use chicken stock here? I dont have any vegetable stock and would like to get some in bc everyone has been sick!
Of course!
Hey Pamela do you ever use the fresh turmeric in this recipe or just the powder? I just bought the fresh one at the market and was wondering how to incorporate it.
I use powdered in recipes and I juice the fresh root or use it in smoothies. Here’s a good link with some suggestions on how to use it fresh. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/831529 I will warn you though, both powdered and fresh stain like crazy, so be careful!
Looks so delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
I’ve noticed you use sea salt in your recipes. Which kind? I went to the store and thy had flakes and fine sea salt. Recipe looks great!
The kind I use most often is fine ground Celtic grey sea salt. I buy a 5 pound bag from amazon.com because it’s much cheaper that way. Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/Selina-Naturally-Celtic-Sea-Salt/dp/B000TIXX4I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1350759818&sr=8-5&keywords=celtic+sea+salt
Flaky sea salt, or fleur de sel, is lovely for finishing on salads and veggies.
Hi Pamela
I’ve never used ghee
Do I find it at whole foods?
Is there a substitute?
Ghee is clarified butter which means the milk solids have been removed and therefore it won’t burn when you cook with it at higher temperatures. I use it for eggs all the time and I love it in this dal because it gives it a sweet mellow flavor. You can use coconut oil if you can’t find ghee, but our local Whole Foods carries it in the butter section in a glass jar with a blue label. Bonus — it lasts a really long time in the fridge!
I love dal and can’t wait to make this. I have never heard of split lentils. Are they hard to find?
I can’t believe I spaced and didn’t include a photo of the uncooked red lentils — that would have been helpful! I just added it to the post so you can see what they look like and the Whole Foods bag. Easy to find in the legume/rice section!