Description
This Creamy Coconut Dal is a comforting, protein-rich dish made with red lentils, coconut milk, and warm spices. It’s an easy, one-pot meal perfect for a quick and nourishing dinner. Serve it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 onions, finely sliced
- 8 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 2-inch piece ginger, finely sliced
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 cups red lentils
- 1 (28oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 2 (13.5oz) cans coconut milk
- 150ml (2/3 cup) boiled water (plus more if needed)
- Juice of 2 limes
- A small handful of finely chopped coriander leaves
- Sea salt to taste
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
Cook the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle for a few seconds.
- Stir in onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Cook the Aromatics
- Add garlic and ginger to the pan and cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine the Ingredients
- Stir in turmeric, chili powder, lentils, chopped tomatoes, coconut milk, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Add 150ml of just-boiled water, mix well, and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
- If the dal looks too dry, add 50-100ml of water as needed.
Finish the Dal
- Stir in lime juice and coriander.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, garnish with more fresh coriander and a drizzle of coconut milk.
- This dal thickens as it cools—add a splash of hot water to loosen it before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg