Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Red Lentil Dahl: Creamy, Comforting, and Plant-Based


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Klara Henschel,
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This easy, creamy Red Lentil Dahl is hearty, comforting, and packed with plant-based protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect served with rice and naan for a gluten-free, dairy-free Indian-inspired feast.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) dry red lentils
  • 1 large carrot (200 g), finely diced
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 heaped tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cups (720 ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) canned coconut milk
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • ½ tbsp sweetener of choice
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)


Instructions

  1. Rinse lentils under running water. Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and carrot.
  2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, carrot, and bell pepper.
  3. Add spices, sweetener, lentils, and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Add coconut milk and cook for 5 more minutes, or until desired thickness is reached.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Serve warm with basmati rice, potatoes, or naan. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • Can substitute carrot with sweet potato or pumpkin.
  • Plant-based cream or milk (soy, oat, almond, cashew) can replace coconut milk for a lower-fat option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian