Comforting Spiced Lentil Stew
This Comforting Spiced Lentil Stew is a nourishing and flavorful dal recipe that has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for years. This mildly spicy dish, enriched with warm spices and the sweetness of caramelized onions, creates a perfect balance that complements spicier Indian fare. Left to develop its flavors in the fridge for a day or two, it transforms into an even more delicious meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a nutritious vegetarian option, this dal is packed with protein and fiber, providing heartiness in every bite. Enjoy it as a standalone dish, over rice, or with warm naan bread.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
1 cup (any color, any size)
water
4 cups (for cooking lentils)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (ground)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
cardamom
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Instructions
1
Soak the lentils in a sufficient amount of water for several hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the soaked lentils with 4 cups of fresh water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then add salt and ground turmeric. Stir well.
3
Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until your lentils are tender yet still hold their shape. Avoid overcooking, as you want them to have a nice texture.
4
In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, cumin, and cardamom, stirring frequently for about 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and golden.
5
Add the minced garlic to the onion mixture and continue cooking for an additional minute, stirring until fragrant.
6
Carefully stir the sautéed onion mixture into the cooked lentils, combining everything well.
7
Allow the dal to gently simmer uncovered on low heat for another 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors together. Adjust salt if necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Spiced Lentil Stew?
It is a nourishing and flavorful dal recipe enriched with warm spices and the sweetness of caramelized onions.
Is this lentil stew suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a nutritious vegetarian option packed with protein and fiber.
Is the Comforting Spiced Lentil Stew vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable oil and plant-based ingredients, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this lentil stew is naturally gluten-free.
What type of lentils should I use?
You can use one cup of dried lentils of any color and any size for this recipe.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
Yes, you should soak the lentils in water for several hours or overnight and then drain them before cooking.
How much water is needed to cook the lentils?
The recipe requires 4 cups of fresh water to cook the soaked lentils.
Which spices are included in the stew?
The stew features turmeric, cumin, and cardamom for a warm and mildly spicy flavor profile.
How much turmeric is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric added during the boiling process.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
You should use 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to sauté the onions and spices.
How many onions are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much cardamom is added?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom to enhance the flavor of the stew.
How many garlic cloves are in the stew?
The recipe uses 2 cloves of minced garlic.
How long should I boil the lentils initially?
After reaching a rolling boil, reduce the heat and simmer the lentils for about 45 minutes until tender.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions with cumin and cardamom for about 3 minutes until they are translucent and golden.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic to the onion mixture and cook for an additional minute until fragrant before adding to the lentils.
How long is the final simmer?
Once the onion mixture is added, allow the dal to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes.
Why should I stir the dal frequently while simmering?
Stirring frequently prevents the lentils from sticking to the pan and helps meld the flavors together.
What texture should the cooked lentils have?
The lentils should be tender but still hold their shape; avoid overcooking them into a mush.
Does the flavor of the stew improve over time?
Yes, if left in the fridge for a day or two, the flavors develop further and the stew becomes even more delicious.
How should I serve Comforting Spiced Lentil Stew?
It can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, served over rice, or paired with warm naan bread.
Is this dish very spicy?
This is a mildly spicy dish designed to complement spicier Indian fare.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the salt if necessary before serving.
Is this stew high in protein?
Yes, lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, making this a protein-rich meal.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nourishing, and heart-healthy stew.
What is the origin of this dish?
This is a dal recipe inspired by Indian cuisine.
Do I cook the stew covered or uncovered?
The initial 45-minute simmer is covered, while the final 30-minute simmer is uncovered.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this lentil stew.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, since it develops more flavor in the fridge over time, it is excellent for meal prepping.