Creamy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach
This Creamy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings the warm spices of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dahl is made with red lentils that cook down to a velvety texture, infused with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a harmonious blend of spices. The addition of frozen spinach not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile, making this dish a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you while you enjoy a cozy evening.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried red lentils
2 cups (rinsed & sorted)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
Fresh ginger
1-2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Frozen spinach
1 (10-ounce) package (no preparation needed)
Curry powder
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground coriander
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Yellow mustard seeds
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Red pepper flakes
to taste (to taste)
Ground cinnamon
to taste (to taste)
Low sodium vegetable broth
4 cups (no preparation needed)
Water
as needed (to maintain moisture)
Instructions
1
Rinse and sort the red lentils to remove any debris.
2
In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, minced garlic, chopped ginger, frozen spinach, and all the spices including curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, yellow mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and ground cinnamon.
3
Pour in the low sodium vegetable broth and stir to combine. Add water as needed to ensure that the lentils are fully submerged.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender. Stir a few times throughout the cooking process, checking the water level to prevent burning — add more water if necessary.
5
Once done, stir the dahl well and adjust seasonings to taste before serving. Enjoy it with rice, naan, or on its own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach?
It is a comforting and nutritious Indian-inspired dish made with red lentils, aromatic spices, and frozen spinach, cooked slowly until it reaches a velvety texture.
Is this red lentil dahl recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients like lentils and spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long does it take to cook this dahl in a slow cooker?
The recipe requires cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours until the lentils are completely tender.
What type of lentils are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of dried red lentils, which are rinsed and sorted before cooking.
Do I need to soak the red lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required; you only need to rinse and sort the lentils to remove any debris before adding them to the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, you can substitute with fresh spinach, though you may want to add it toward the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking.
What spices are needed for this dahl?
The spice blend includes curry powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, yellow mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and ground cinnamon.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and curry powder used.
How much garlic and ginger do I need?
You will need 3-4 minced garlic cloves and 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh ginger.
What liquid is used for the base of the dahl?
The recipe uses 4 cups of low sodium vegetable broth, plus additional water as needed to keep the lentils submerged.
How do I prevent the lentils from burning in the slow cooker?
Stir the dahl a few times during the cooking process and check the water levels, adding more water if the mixture looks too dry.
What should I serve with this red lentil dahl?
This dish pairs perfectly with rice, naan bread, or can be enjoyed as a hearty soup on its own.
Can I substitute the vegetable broth?
Yes, you can use water or chicken broth if you do not require the dish to be vegan, though vegetable broth is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What is the texture of this dish?
The red lentils cook down to a creamy and velvety texture, creating a thick and satisfying consistency.
Are mustard seeds necessary for this recipe?
Yellow mustard seeds add a traditional aromatic touch, but they can be omitted if you don't have them on hand.
Can I cook this on the high setting instead of low?
While the recipe specifies the low setting for 6-8 hours, you can generally cook it on high for 3-4 hours, though the texture may be slightly different.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients total, including the lentils, aromatics, spices, broth, and spinach.
Is there any oil used in this dahl?
No, this is an oil-free recipe as everything is simmered together in the slow cooker using broth and water.
How much spinach is included?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach.
Is cinnamon a standard ingredient for dahl?
Yes, a hint of ground cinnamon is used in this recipe to add warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Do I need to sauté the garlic and ginger first?
No, this is a 'dump and go' recipe where the minced garlic and chopped ginger are added directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this by adding diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers to the slow cooker.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Lentil dahl keeps well in the refrigerator and the flavors often deepen and improve the next day.
How much curry powder should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of curry powder, but you can adjust this to your taste.
What do I do if the dahl is too thick?
Simply stir in a little extra water or broth at the end of the cooking time until you reach your desired consistency.
Are there any allergens in this dish?
This dish is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten, provided your broth is certified gluten-free.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
The fresh ginger should be peeled and then finely chopped or grated before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I use ground mustard instead of mustard seeds?
You can use a pinch of ground mustard if seeds are unavailable, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Does this recipe require any special equipment?
The only special equipment needed is a standard slow cooker (crock-pot).