Comforting Red Lentil Dhal
This Comforting Red Lentil Dhal is inspired by the wonderful recipes of Charmaine Solomon, offering a delightful blend of flavors that's both easy to prepare and nutritious. This dish is not only a staple in Indian cuisine but also serves as a versatile companion to more robustly spiced curries. The red lentils cook quickly and don’t require soaking, making this dish a convenient option for busy weeknights or a wholesome lunch. With its creamy texture and mild, aromatic spices, this Dhal is perfect for children—my own child loves it! Rich in protein, it’s healthy comfort food that stands wonderfully alone or pairs exceptionally with rice, Indian breads, or as a comforting side. Introduce your family to the soothing qualities of this dish, perfect for introducing children to the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red lentils
250 g (Rinsed and drained)
Ghee (or oil)
1 1/2 tablespoons (Melted)
Onion
1 large (Finely sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (Finely grated)
Ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Hot water
3 cups (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Garam masala
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Rinse the red lentils thoroughly in cold water, removing any debris or lentils that float. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the ghee (or oil) over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onion and sauté until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the finely chopped garlic and the grated fresh ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add the ground turmeric to the pan, stirring well to combine with the onion mixture.
5
Incorporate the drained red lentils, stirring for an additional 1-2 minutes to let them absorb the flavors.
6
Pour in the three cups of hot water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
7
Cover the saucepan and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally until the lentils are partially cooked.
8
Stir in the salt and garam masala, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking uncovered until the lentils are soft and have a porridge-like consistency, approximately another 10 minutes.
9
If the Dhal appears too watery, leave the lid off to allow excess liquid to evaporate, stirring occasionally.
10
Once ready, serve warm, optionally garnished with sliced onion for an extra dimension of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Red Lentil Dhal?
It is a nutritious and easy-to-prepare Indian dish made with red lentils, mild aromatic spices, and a creamy texture.
Who inspired this Red Lentil Dhal recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary works of Charmaine Solomon.
Is this Dhal recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is perfect for children due to its mild flavors and soothing, creamy texture.
Do I need to soak red lentils before cooking?
No, red lentils cook quickly and do not require soaking for this recipe.
What is the main protein source in this dish?
The main source of protein in this dish is the red lentils.
Can I use oil instead of ghee?
Yes, you can substitute ghee with oil if preferred.
How much red lentils do I need?
The recipe calls for 250 grams of red lentils.
What should the final consistency of the Dhal be?
The lentils should be soft and have a porridge-like consistency.
What spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses ground turmeric and garam masala for flavor.
What should I do if the Dhal is too watery?
If the Dhal is too watery, leave the lid off the saucepan to allow excess liquid to evaporate while stirring occasionally.
How long do the lentils take to cook?
The lentils typically take about 25 to 30 minutes in total to become soft and reached the desired consistency.
What ingredients are used for the aromatic base?
The aromatic base consists of a large onion, two garlic cloves, and fresh grated ginger.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Red Lentil Dhal is a vegetarian dish.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need three cups of hot water.
What is the first step in preparing the lentils?
The first step is to rinse the red lentils thoroughly in cold water and drain them.
When do I add the salt and garam masala?
Add the salt and garam masala after the lentils have been simmering for about 15-20 minutes and are partially cooked.
What can I serve with Red Lentil Dhal?
It pairs excellently with rice, Indian breads, or can be served as a side to more robustly spiced curries.
What garnish is recommended?
An optional garnish of sliced onion can be used for an extra dimension of flavor.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed for approximately 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown.
Does this dish work as a standalone meal?
Yes, it is a healthy comfort food that stands wonderfully alone as a wholesome lunch or dinner.
What type of ginger is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated ginger is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe suitable for busy weeknights.
What is the purpose of adding turmeric?
Turmeric provides the dish with its characteristic yellow color and a mild, earthy flavor.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires two garlic cloves, finely chopped.
How much garam masala is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala.
Can I use this dhal to introduce children to Indian cuisine?
Yes, its mild flavors make it a perfect dish for introducing children to the vibrant world of Indian food.
What type of heat is used to cook the onions?
Medium heat is used to sauté the onions in ghee or oil.
Should the saucepan be covered?
The saucepan should be covered during the initial 15-20 minutes of simmering the lentils.
Is this recipe protein-rich?
Yes, red lentils provide a significant amount of plant-based protein.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be finely chopped before being added to the pan.