Indian Dal
Indian Dal is an easy and very flavorful vegetarian side dish made of yellow or red lentils and spices. This makes a delicious, vegetarian side dish for any Indian meal.
Table of contents
If you’ve ever eaten Indian food, chances are you’ve had dal. It’s on all Indian restaurant menus and it could not be easier to make and there’s nothing better than homemade. If you haven’t had Indian food, this dish is a good introduction to the cuisine before you move on to all the delicious curries.
What is Indian Dal?
Also spelled dhal or dail or daal is a side dish made of yellow split peas that are cooked with spices and becomes a lovely shade of yellow. The basic dal is just the lentils and turmeric, but many additions can be added like, jalapeño, onion, and other spices.
I’ve mentioned before that my favorite cuisine to make (and eat) is Indian. Growing my collection of Indian recipes, like Indian spiced peas that I made last week (and you can see in the picture below), along with my most popular recipe, chicken tikka masala and sweet potato samosas with mango chutney. There are many more and you can find them all here, almost a whole menu worth.
How to make Indian Dal?
It could not be easier that result in really flavorful results. While the lentils simmer in water with turmeric and bay leaves, cumin, mustard seeds, red chilis and bay leaves. Ginger, garlic, tomatoes and spices are cooked alongside the lentils then added when they are done.
Salting lentils
Lentil can become tough if you salt before cooked, so it is best to add the salt after.
One important thing that you cannot forget when enjoying Indian food is he naan bread, because mopping up all the deliciousness is the best part.
Indian Dal
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups (256 grams) red or yellow lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups (946 ml ) water
- 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 ounce (37 grams) fresh tomato, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, coriander, optional
Instructions
- To a large saucepan add the lentils, turmeric and water. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are broken down.
- While the lentils cook. Add the butter over to a separate pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin, mustard powder, garam masala and tomato. Stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes stirring. Add the cooked lentils, salt and cilantro, mix well and remove from heat.. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if needed.
- Serve warm.
Notes
This was easier than I thought and a very tasty side dish to your tandoori chicken
Thank you. It’s one of my favorites.
Excellent! Just like my Indian restaurant (minus the extra salt). Came out so tasty and my first time making dal, will make it again
Thank you so much!
This is the most delicious dish. We made it with your naan bread that was perfect for mopping.
I just made this and it is so easy and very good. eating it with samosas and jasmine rice.
This sounds like a delicious meal.
I am reporting back on using the chili powder and cayenne instead of dried chilies and while I dont have anything to compare it to, I think it turned out great! I made it for lunches with your Indian curry meatballs on rice, garlic naan, and Indian spices peas and carrots. It all turned out delicious. Thanks for all the delicious recipes. Now excuse me while I go make your coconut rice recipe with some chicken fruit salad lettuce wraps!
You have made my day, thank you for such a wonderful update and I love the sound of the chicken fruit salad lettuce wraps.
Could I subsitute chili powder and cayenne for the dried chilies? I just dont have any and would prefer not to buy them unless it makes a drastic difference.
Hi Ashley, there is already chili powder in the recipe so you could add a little more plus a little cayenne and I think this would be fine. Let me know how this turns out.
Oh my gosh! This looks SO good! What a great recipe! I love Indian food! So delightful! Thanks for sharing!
I think your love of Indian food must be down to the Brit in you, Janette!
This sounds absolutely fantastic. I’ve been a fan of lentils since living in Greece where they’re a real staple.
Really keen to give this a go!
Yes, this Brit loves her Indian 🙂
Yes! I love dal! And Indian food is totally addictive! I think my husband and I get Indian takeout at least once a week. So glad I have your recipe now so I can make my own dal – and I have all of the ingredients! 🙂
Love split peas and I’ve been thinking to make dal for a while! Pinning to try the recipe!
Your photos have given me a HUGE craving for Indian food. You are so right about the naan! A few pieces of naan would be perfect for soaking up this dal. 🙂
Thank you Demeter, I’m always craving it 🙂