Masoor Dal

Flip Filippi

Dal is a simple quick, one pot vegetarian or vegan meal. The recipe allows time to chop up other ingredients while cooking. This makes for a easy low stress entree with few dirty dishes. I will often make substitutions depending on what is readily available in the garden or has been preserved in the freezer or canned. 

Contributed by GH Werowinski
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients
  • 2 TBSP coconut oil
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 TBSP mustard seeds
  • 3 curry leaves
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1-2 hot peppers (dried or fresh)
  • 2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 medium yellow potatoes, diced
  • 1 cup chopped pepper
  • 2 TBSP minced ginger
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 cup red lentils
  • 4 cups tomato juice, stock or water
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 3 TBSP chopped cilantro
 Instructions
 
1. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, heat oil, and sauté spices and hot peppers until fragrant. Add onion and saute until softened. Add potato and peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic; stir, and reduce heat to low.
 
2. Add lentils to the pot and stir until lentils are well coated with oil. Add tomatoes and liquid of choice. If using canned tomatoes add less liquid. Raise heat to bring to a boil, then reduce heat until mixture is at a fast simmer. Cook uncovered until lentils and potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally, about 25 minutes.
 
3. Season to taste with salt, and continue to simmer until mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes. Whisk or blend dal to amalgamate lentils and potatoes. If dal is too soupy, increase heat and cook for a little longer.
 
4. Serve hot over rice with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
 
Notes
  • Add a can of coconut cream or milk for a richer flavor. Reduce added liquid by 1 cup.
  • Substitute whole canned tomatoes for fresh tomatoes. Reduce added liquid by 1-2 cups.
  • The ingredients are highly variably, add whatever vegetables you have available and see what flavors you like. This is a great recipe to try out different combinations, I’ve yet to make a Dal I didn’t enjoy!