Red Lentil Dal

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This red lentil dal is a wonderful, warming bowl of food. Lentils are incredibly filling food and are nutrient-dense.

In the Indian subcontinent, dal (or dhal) means split pulses, like lentils and beans, and is also used as the name of soup made from these pulses.

Why You’ll Love this Red Lentil Dal Recipe

This dal recipe combines the traditional lentils, onions, tomato, and spices commonly used in dal. We've added a can of coconut milk to this red dal recipe making for an extra creamy dish.

It's a wonderful, warming dish - it's naturally vegan and gluten-free. This recipe makes at least 6 servings, so it's an excellent meal prep recipe and easy to reheat.

Ingredients for Lentil Dal

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dal recipe.

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can coconut milk
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups red lentils
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt
• optional - ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• for serving - rice or naan 

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How to Make This Dal Recipe

Here's how to make this recipe. It's pretty simple, but it does take a little bit of time to simmer to cook and reduce the lentils.

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the coconut oil. Once it’s hot, add the onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until they start to become translucent. 
2. Add the garlic and ginger and let cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously. 
3. Add the fenugreek seeds, turmeric, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom. 
4. Add the coconut milk, vegetable stocks, tomatoes, and lentils to the pot and stir to combine. Increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow to simmer for 30 minutes. 
5. Remove from the heat and serve with rice or naan. Sprinkle optional cilantro on top. 

More Filling Plant-Based Meals

If you like this dal recipe, we think you'll enjoy these other plant-based recipes that are produce forward.

• The Best Vegan Lentil Soup - a hearty vegan soup with potatoes, carrots, and more!
• White Bean Soup Recipe - a quick and easy soup that's full of flavor and veggies.
• Roasted Chickpea Salad Recipe - a hearty salad with the crispiest chickpeas.
• Coconut Lentil Curry - a warming lentil dish that's an awesome weeknight meal.
• Vegan Sushi Recipe - a great way to enjoy sushi that's plant-based.

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