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Easy Indian Lentil Dal

A creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced indian lentil dal paired with spiced rice and topped with freshly chopped green onion, vegan yogurt, and lemon. 

Course Main Course
Keyword easy lentil dahl, easy vegan dinner recipe, vegan indian recipes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Author Taavi Moore

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 1/4 white onion, diced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp each: cumin seed, coriander seed, mustard seed
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 Can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 Can of coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 star anise (optional)
  • 3 cardamom pods (optional)
  • Fresh chopped green onion
  • Non-dairy yogurt (optional)
  • Lemon wedge

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot with a tsp of oil over medium heat. Add in garlic and ginger. Saute for 2-3 min. until just turning golden. Add in onion, salt, and seeds. Saute for 3-4 min. until onion is fragrant and translucent. 

  2. Add in red pepper flakes and spices. Stir and cook for 1 min. to slightly toast. Add in carrot and cook for an additional 3 min. to slightly soften. Add lentils and pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, veggie broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a low boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 25-30 min. until lentils are fully cooked and soft. 

  3. While lentils are cooking, prepare the rice. Cook your rice according to pkg directions with the optional star anise and cardamom pods for extra flavor. Be sure to remove them before serving. 

  4. Serve lentil dahl over brown rice. Garnish with chopped green onions, a drizzle of vegan yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon (highly recommended, as it gives it a bright, fresh flavor).