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–+ servings
Dal in a blue bowl with a silver spoon

Dal - Creamy Split Lentils

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) olive oil
  • 1 large (1 large) onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves (3 cloves) garlic grated
  • 1 inch (2½ cm) ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) curry powder + 4 pods cardamom (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound (500 grams) vine tomatoes grated with the large holes of a box grater
  • 1 cup (200 grams) split lentils yellow or red
  • 3 cups (750 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces) (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon (⅛ teaspoon) black pepper
  • 4 cups (4 ounces) (120 grams) spinach
  • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) garam masala

Serves well with

  • 4 wedges (4 wedges) lemon + 4 dollops Greek yogurt, toasted cashews, and fresh cilantro for topping.
  • 4 pieces (4 pieces) naan or basmati rice.

  • MAKE FLAVOR BASE: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 large onion (chopped) and sauté for 3 minute.
    Add 3 cloves garlic and 1 inch ginger (grated), and sauté 1 more minute. Stir often.
    Lower the heat and add 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon curry powder, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
    Add 2 tablespoons of water and toast the spices for 1 minute.
    dal flavor base with spices and onion
  • ADD GRATED TOMATOES: While the onion cooks, grate 1 pound vine tomatoes with the large holes of a box grater.
    Discard the peel and add the grated tomatoes to the spices.
    Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often.
    Grated tomatoes in the flavor base
  • SIMMER THE LENTILS: Now add 1 cup split lentils (rinsed with water), 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk.
    Simmer uncovered for 20 - 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and you reach your desired consistency. Stir occasionally.
    dal before and after cooking
  • ADD SPINACH: Turn the heat off and add 4 cups (4 ounces) spinach and 1 teaspoon garam masala. Stir to wilt the spinach, then taste and adjust for salt.
    If necessary, you can add up to 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the spices.
    split lentil dal in a large pot
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: You can serve this creamy dal with naan or rice.
    Top it with a squeeze of lemon juice, some Greek yogurt, and toasted cashews.
    creamy dal served with yogurt, cashews, and lemon juice
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