Indian Lentil Dahl: Authentic and Delicious Recipe

Dahl, this iconic Indian dish, is much more than just a lentil soup. It's a culinary journey, a comforting bowl fragrant with warming spices, an invitation to savor the rich and complex flavors of Indian cuisine. Today, I'm sharing my recipe for red lentil dahl, an easy version to make, even for those new to Indian cooking. Prepare for a feast of flavors, a delight that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart, perfect for a dinner with family or friends.

My childhood memories are filled with the intoxicating aromas of this stew my grandmother used to cook. Every spoonful was a discovery, a delight for the senses. This recipe is a tribute to her generous and flavorful cooking, a culinary legacy I'm sharing with you today. I'm confident you'll love it.

This lentil dahl is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Rich in protein and fiber, it's a complete and balanced meal, ideal for a healthy and varied diet. So, sit back, relax, and let's prepare this culinary masterpiece together!

Ingredients

Serves 4:

• 1 cup of red lentils (approximately 200g)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, according to your taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala
• 1 can (400ml) of crushed tomatoes
• 400ml of water
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Chopped fresh coriander, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander and garam masala. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices .
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil.
7. Add the red lentils, salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid has thickened slightly.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped coriander (optional).

Chef's Tips

For an even tastier Dahl, you can add some vegetables such as carrots, courgettes or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your tolerance for spiciness.

This lentil dahl can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for later use.