Recipe: Easy indian-inspired Dal

 

Warm & Rich Dal

If you like curry and turmeric, you'll love this easy, inexpensive, and healthy dish that keeps your belly warm when it's cold outside. It's a flexible dish, so experiment with the spice to match your personal tastes. You'll see slow cooker instructions below but you can prepare this dish on the stovetop or also in an instant pot in less time. Thank you to my friend Robyn for inspiring me with this dish!
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 T olive oil
  • 1 onion (red or yellow) finely diced
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic (add more to boost the flavor)
  • 1 T fresh grated ginger (I usually add more for taste)
  • 2 T curry powder
  • 1 T turmeric (dry or grated fresh)
  • 1 t ground cumin (optional)
  • 2 C dried red or orange lentils (rinsed & drained)
  • 2 C water (a little more if you need it)
  • salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 can light coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
  • Greens (such as kale, spinach, collard greens, or swiss chard)
  • 1 lime
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) This is optional.
  • Serve alone, with jasmine rice, or naan bread
  • If you like, garnish with chopped cashews, fresh cilantro or mint or mango chutney.

Instructions
 

  • Slow cooker instructions. Dal can also be made on the cooktop or in an instant pot as well.
  • Start on the stovetop. Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the onion & season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion softens, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Scrape the mixture into your slow cooker.
  • To the slow cooker, add the lentils, coconut milk, water, and optional can of tomatoes. Cook 5-6 hours on Low; do not cook on High. Lentils should still be slightly firm but not crunchy.
  • Squeeze in juice of a 1/2 or whole lime depending upon your taste and add in chopped greens in the last 30 minutes or so.
  • Garnish if you like and serve.

Notes

Serve as a side dish or as a full meal. The lentils in this Dal add protein and the variety of anti-inflammatory spices make it a healthy dish. It has become a regular go-to for me in the wintertime.