A cozy night in, the mouthwatering aroma of spices wafting through your home, and the comforting warmth of a homemade, flavor-packed Indian meal.
Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?
Today, I’m excited to share my love for Daal, a delightful Indian spiced lentil dish that will make you fall head over heels for Indian cuisine. And, of course, no Daal experience is complete without Naan, the ever-popular soft and chewy Indian flatbread.
ORIGINS
Daal, also known as Dal, Dahl, or Dhal, has its roots in Indian cuisine. It is a simple yet delicious lentil stew cooked with an array of vibrant spices. With its wholesome and nutritious nature, Daal has become a staple dish in many South Asian households.
Why You Will Love It
- You’ll love Daal for its comforting, hearty, and flavorful qualities. The combination of red lentils and aromatic spices creates a rich and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly evening.
- It’s easy to make and requires minimal planning, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal.
- Daal is great for feeding large crowds.
- Make a big batch in the morning and reheat it when it’s time to serve.
- The dish gets even better when reheated. Daal freezes well – perfect for meal planning or using up leftovers.
- The recipe is forgiving – you can adjust the spices to your taste without worrying about ruining the dish.
Tips
- Soak the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve their digestibility.
- Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less red chili.
- For a creamier Daal, add a splash of coconut milk before serving.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Daal with homemade Naan and mango chutney for a delicious meal.
Substitutions
- Substitute ghee with coconut oil or olive oil for a vegan-friendly option.
- You can also experiment with different types of lentils, such as yellow
- You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if you don’t have fresh ginger.
- For a milder spice level, you can reduce the amount of chilies or chili flakes, or even omit them entirely.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
A: You can use other types of lentils, such as green or brown ones. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the type of lentil used, so adjust accordingly.
Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the ghee with a plant-based alternative like coconut or neutral vegetable oil.
Q: What other dishes can I serve with Daal?
A: Apart from Naan, you can serve Daal with steamed basmati rice, roti, or a simple green salad.
Daal: Indian Spiced Lentils
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup red lentils washed and drained
- 1.5 tbsp ghee ‘samna’ in Arabic
- 1 large onion finely diced (I like to use a food processor)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 small red chillies or ½ tsp. dried red chilli flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp ground turmeric
- ½ tbsp ground cumin
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large tomato finely diced
- 4-5 cup water
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over low-medium heat, add the ghee to melt. Add the onion and cook, stirring until very soft and translucent and slightly yellow, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ginger and fresh chilli if using (if using dried red chilli flakes, add them later with the spices) and cook for 1 minute, until just fragrant.
- Add the spices; curry, coriander, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and dried red chilli flakes (if using). Stir for about 30 seconds.
- Add the tomato and the lentils, stir for a couple of minutes until nicely coated with everything.
- Add 4 cups water, bring to a boil and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook, partially covered for about 20-30 minutes until lentils are very soft and the stew is thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and adding a little extra water if needed. Season to taste. Serve with Naan and mango chutney.
Nutrition
My name is Noha.
I’m passionate about food, an avid traveler, and I love to explore new cultures and cuisines whenever I get the chance by sharing my recipes and experiences with my readers.
A big fan of exploring different cuisines and always looking for new and exciting flavors to explore. I’m especially interested in healthy eating and finding ways to make delicious dishes without sacrificing nutrition.
