Lentil Curry

Posted on

Indien

Difficulty

Easy

Prep time

10

Cooking time

30

Total time

45

Servings

4

Lentil Curry (Dal) is a nutritious, vegan Indian dish made with lentils and spiced with turmeric, cumin, and coriander. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, often served with rice or flatbread, making it a comforting and wholesome option.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Curry:

  • Lentils: 1 cup (red or green lentils work well)
  • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
  • Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated or minced
  • Tomato: 1 large, diced (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
  • Coconut Milk: 1 can (optional, for creaminess)
  • Vegetable Broth: 3 cups (or water)
  • Spinach: 2 cups (fresh or frozen, optional)

Spices:

  • Curry Powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander: 1 teaspoon
  • Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust for spice level)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Pepper: to taste

Optional Ingredients:

  • Vegetable Oil or Ghee: for sautéing
  • Fresh Cilantro: for garnish
  • Lemon or Lime Juice: for a splash of acidity
  • Carrots or Bell Peppers: chopped, for added vegetables

Execution

1. Prepare the Lentils

  • Rinse the Lentils: Place the lentils in a sieve and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
  • Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
  • Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Spices

  • Mix in the Spices: Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.

4. Combine Ingredients

  • Add Lentils and Tomatoes: Pour in the rinsed lentils and diced tomatoes. Stir to mix well.
  • Add Broth: Pour in 3 cups of vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer

  • Reduce Heat: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Add Coconut Milk and Spinach

  • Incorporate Coconut Milk: If using, stir in the can of coconut milk and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  • Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach until wilted (if using).

7. Season and Serve

  • Taste and Adjust: Taste the curry and add salt, pepper, or more spices as needed.
  • Garnish: Serve the lentil curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, if desired.

8. Enjoy!

Serve over rice, with naan bread, or enjoy on its own as a hearty meal.

Tags:

You might also like these recipes

Laisser un commentaire