If you’re seeking a hearty and flavorful dish to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than Red Lentil Curry.

Originating from the rich culinary traditions of South Asia, this recipe combines the earthy goodness of lentils with a tantalizing blend of spices, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Despite its exotic origins, this curry is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for beginner cooks looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

Expert Tip: Don’t skip the step of tempering the spices in oil at the beginning. This process helps to release their flavors and aromas, enhancing the overall taste of the curry.

Ingredients

Lentils (Masoor Dal): Lentils provide a hearty base and a good dose of protein and fiber. They cook relatively quickly compared to other legumes, making them ideal for weeknight dinners.

Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and enhancing the richness of the curry.

Cumin Seeds (Jeera): Cumin seeds add a warm, nutty flavor and subtle earthiness to the dish.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the curry as it cooks down.

Garlic: Provides a savory, aromatic base for the curry.

Tomatoes: Adds acidity and sweetness, balancing out the earthiness of the lentils.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and brings everything together.

Chilli Powder: Adds heat and a touch of smokiness to the curry.

Turmeric Powder (Haldi): Lends a vibrant yellow color to the dish and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Green Chillies: Adds a spicy kick to the curry, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves add a burst of freshness and color to the finished dish.

Expert Tip: For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding them back to the curry.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy your Red Lentil Curry with fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying meal.
• Serve it alongside homemade chapatti or naan bread for an authentic Indian dining experience.
• For added freshness and texture, garnish with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped coriander before serving.

Expert Tip: Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?

Absolutely! While red lentils (Masoor Dal) are traditional for this curry, you can experiment with other varieties like green or brown lentils for a different texture and flavor.

Is this curry spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your preference. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce the amount of chilli powder or omit the green chillies altogether.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Yes, this curry actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How can I make this curry vegan-friendly?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just make sure to use oil instead of ghee for sautéing the aromatics.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this curry freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Whole Masoor Dal
• Dal Mash
• Lentil Soup
• Dal Makhani

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Red Lentil Curry

by Nabeela Kauser

This masoor dal recipe, known as red lentil curry in English, is flavourful, nutritious, and delicious. Lightly spiced yet packed with flavour this dal curry recipe is perfect for any diet.

5 from 27 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Calories 273 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 300 g Lentils Masoor Dal
• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 2 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
• ▢ 1 Onions
• ▢ 4 Garlic
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder Haldi
• ▢ 1 litre Water
• ▢ 2 Green Chillies
• ▢ Coriander

Instructions

• In a pan add the oil and heat up on medium heat until hot
• Add the cumin seeds and finely chopped garlic then sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant
• Add the finely diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened
• Add the salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, and finely chopped green chillies then cook for 3-4 minutes
• Add the chopped tomato and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft
• As the tomatoes are cooking wash the lentils then cook for 3-4 minutes
• Add the water then mix before covering and cook for 20 minutes on medium heat until soft
• Remove lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened to personal preference
• Serve with homemade chapatti and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 14gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 459mgPotassium: 640mgFibre: 17gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 514IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 5mg

Keyword Curry, Dal, Food, Healthy, Lentils, Recipe, Vegan, Vegetarian

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