Description
This hearty 1-pot green lentil dal is a comforting, protein-rich vegan Indian recipe loaded with warm spices and bold flavors. Made in one pot and perfect for meal prep, it’s naturally gluten-free and ideal for cozy, everyday plant-based meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups green lentils, rinsed well
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 teaspoons curry powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Optional Additions:
- Chili flakes or chopped green chili for heat
- Coconut milk for extra creaminess
- Spinach or kale for added greens
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and softened.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juice. Stir and cook for 3 minutes to combine.
- Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 35–40 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and stir in lemon juice if using.
- If desired, stir in coconut milk and greens during the final 5 minutes. Serve hot with cilantro on top.
Notes
- Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove debris and improve texture.
- Use fresh spices for best flavor impact.
- To make it creamy, add ¼ cup coconut milk at the end.
- Chopped spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last few minutes.
- This dal keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Green Lentil Dal, Vegan Indian Recipes, Easy Lentils Recipe, 1-Pot Dal, Healthy Plant-Based Meal