Red Lentil Dahl
A casual way to create this Indian classic, red lentil dahl.
Ingredients
- 400 grams red lentils, dry
- 1 whole onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (796 mL) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cans (400 mL each) coconut milk
- 5 whole cloves
- 4 whole green cardamon
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 0.5 tbsp whole cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cayenne powder optional, adds heat!
- 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock to cover and cook the lentils. May need a bit more to cover them completely. Use low sodium to control the salt, or replace with water.
- 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions
- Drain and rinse your lentils several times. The water will be cloudy, just do it a few times until it is mostly clear.
- Place lentils in a medium pot and cover with chicken broth. Bring to a hard simmer. Stir occasionally and skim off foam until lentils are cooked. Set aside.
- In a large pot, melt some oil on med-low heat, and add in the bay leaf, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, cardamon, and about 1 tbsp curry powder. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add diced onion and stir. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened. You may need to add a bit more oil to keep the spices from burning.
- Add garlic, stir and cook for about 30 seconds, then add in the can of tomatoes. When the lentils are done, add them along with any remaining liquid in the pot. Turn up the heat to medium.
- Add the remaining ingredients and let it simmer until the coconut milk has melted. Wait about 5 minutes and taste. Adjust seasonings to your liking.
Video
Notes
This is a very easy-going recipe. Don't let the list of spices worry you! Ground spices can be substituted for whole spices. Instead of whole spices, use about 1 tsp of whatever ground spice you have, then adjust at the end if you feel there needs to be more. This dish is also fantastic with chopped cilantro stirred in. We love to serve it with mango chutney and aloo kulcha (naan bread with samosa filling inside!).