Masoor Dal (Stewed Red Lentils)

User Reviews

5

18 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    45 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    219 kcal

  • Course

    Soup

  • Cuisine

    Vegetarian, Vegan

Masoor Dal (Stewed Red Lentils)

Masoor Dal is a stewed dish of red lentils cooked with sweet potato, onions, garlic, ginger, and warming spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek leaves. Simmered with diced tomatoes and stock, it thickens to a comforting stew with fragrant, smoky notes. Fresh cilantro finishes the dish, which pairs well with naan or basmati rice.

Description

Masoor Dal (Stewed Red Lentils) combines a blend of aromatic spices and vegetables with red lentils simmered in stock and diced tomatoes. The recipe starts by sautéing sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and serrano chile, then adding lentils and spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek leaves to develop a fragrant base. After adding tomatoes and stock, the mixture simmers until the lentils are tender and the texture is stew-like, showcasing a balance of tender vegetables and spiced lentils.

The dish has a soft, hearty texture with layers of earthiness and warmth from the spices. Topped with chopped cilantro, it brings a freshness that balances the mild heat from the serrano chile. It is typically served with grilled naan or steamed basmati rice to complement the rich, spiced lentils.

If a soupier consistency is preferred, additional stock can be added during cooking. The dal also freezes well; cool completely then store airtight. Reheat gently with added water or stock, seasoning again as needed to maintain flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or ghee
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ginger minced
  • 1 serrano chile seeded and diced
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 tablespoon cumin ground
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons Turmeric ground
  • 2 teaspoons fenugreek leaves dried
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 1 quart vegetable stock or chicken stock
  • ¼ cup cilantro chopped
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

garnish

  • 3 tbsp cilantro chopped

Instructions

  1. Pour oil or ghee into a dutch oven and place over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sweet potatoes and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in onions, garlic, ginger, and Serrano chile and continue to sauté for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in red lentils, cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, and fenugreek leaves and continue to cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until mixture becomes fragrant and slightly smoky in scent.
  4. Add diced tomatoes and stock and bring mixture to a boil. Once mixture is boiling, cover and reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes or until lentils have softened and mixture has turned into a stew-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper and stir in cilantro.
  5. Top with more cilantro and serve with a side of grilled naan or steamed basmati rice.

Notes

  • Add 2 to 3 cups more stock for a traditional soupier consistency.
  • To freeze, cool fully before transferring to airtight containers.
  • When reheating frozen dal, add 1/2 to 2 cups water or stock and heat until well warmed; adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve topped with fresh cilantro alongside grilled naan or steamed basmati rice.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 6g Calories 219kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 6g (9%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 664mg (28%) Potassium 625mg (13%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 5855IU (117%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 72mg (7%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 219 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 6g
Calories 219kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 6g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 664mg 28%
Potassium 625mg 13%
Fiber 12g 48%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 5855IU 117%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 72mg 7%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

18 reviews
Excellent

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