Dal, a type of thick lentil stew, is a staple dish in South Asia. Red or yellow lentils are cooked with onions, garlic, ginger, chilies, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, then simmered in water until lentils are tender and a thick soup-like consistency is achieved.
Lentils have been around for centuries, predominately in Asia and the Mediterranean, but have been receiving a lot of buzz in the states recently. A good source of vitamins such as potassium, folate, magnesium, and calcium, these legumes are a lean protein, good for digestive health, and low in calories (around 230 calories in a cup!).
Growing up we would have dal with almost every Bangladeshi meal, and to this day it is still one of my favorite comfort dishes. It freezes incredibly well and like sauces and stews, it’s even more delicious the next day! It’s nurturing and nutritious, and flavorful yet not overpowering when served with other dishes. Serve warm over steamed Basmati rice (we call this Dal Bhat) or with breads like chapatis or rotis.
Dal (Split Mung Bean)
2016-08-10 10:05:55
Serves 8
Print
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
55 min
Ingredients
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 large tomato, finely diced
- 2 cups yellow lentil, washed and drained
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cracked pepper
- 1 small chili or 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes
- 4-5 cups water, more if necessary (I added around 5 1/2)
- 2 tbsp cilantro, minced
- more salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add the diced onions and cook until slightly brown and tender, around 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and chili, and fry for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, or until spices are aromatic. Add the tomatoes and lentils, and stir for 2-3 minutes. Add water, bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
- Different lentils require different cooking times. For me, yellow lentils will take around 30-35 minutes of simmering time. Stir often and add more water if you desire more liquid (my dad likes his very soup-like and probably adds 6-8 cups of water!). Taste the consistency of the lentils after 30 minutes and adjust salt and pepper.
- In the last 2 minutes of simmering, toss in the fresh cilantro and stir. Ladle over steamed rice and serve warm.
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Nurse Kelly says
Perfect! Excited to make this, J! xo
Jasmine says
Thank you, Kelly!! I hope you like it ๐
Lynz Real Cooking says
I love dal, lovely recipe!
Jasmine says
Thank you, Lynn!!
Anna says
This looks wonderful, Jasmine!
Jasmine says
Thank you, Anna!
koolkosherkitchen says
Great selection of spices, thank you for sharing!
Jasmine says
Thank you, Dolly! โบ๏ธ
Rachel says
I’ve been wanting to make something like this forever! Looks so comforting.
Jasmine says
Thanks, Rach! It really is. I’ve been eating it every day for lunch for the past two weeks! I have a problem.
the other food interpreter says
Seems so good! I will definitely try it! Thanks for sharing!
Jasmine says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
Scot Whitaker says
Lentils are some of my favorite food. Sounds like a great recipe!
Jasmine says
Thank you, Scot! ๐
Rhonda Sittig says
Love this warm inviting bowl full Jasmine!! We end up eating Indian food out with our kids often and this si a favorite, but I’ve never made it at home. It does seem like a great comfort food… When we lived in Spain, we ate a lot of darker lentils with chorizo!! thanks for this version!! xoxo
Jasmine says
Thank you, Rhonda! Lentils are so versatile and I love hearing how different parts of the world use them. I bet the chorizo was delicious!
Sadie's Nest says
I’ve never tried this! It sounds like something I’ll love ๐
Jasmine says
I think so too, Sadie!!
Roberta Briffa says
I am loving this recipe Jasmine and I can’t wait to try it out. And the photos are beautiful. I’m always in awe of someone who makes a soup or stew look attractive in pictures. It takes skill and you have plenty of it ๐
Jasmine says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Roberta!! It certainly makes my morning. ๐ I hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Joyfull Mom says
I grew up eating dal, curry, and roti. This is very nostalgic. Thank you. Blessings.
Jasmine says
How wonderful! I also feel nostalgic when I cook these dishes ๐ Have a lovely Friday!
Suchitra says
Dal is a staple in our home. This looks delicious!
Jasmine says
Thank you!! ๐