Creamy Spiced Red Lentil Curry
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Spiced Red Lentil Curry! Made with wholesome red lentils and infused with a variety of spices, this dish cooks to a creamy consistency that pairs beautifully with rice or chapatis. The gentle heat from green chilies and red chili powder, combined with the aromatic touch of garlic, cumin, and garam masala, creates a well-balanced dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a family meal, this curry is not only easy to prepare but also vegan-friendly.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red lentils
1 cup (Rinsed and soaked)
Water
3 cups (For cooking)
Red chili powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Turmeric powder
1/4 teaspoon (For flavor and color)
Green chilies
2 whole (Chopped)
Fresh coriander
2 teaspoons (Chopped for garnish)
Garam masala
1 teaspoon (For garnish)
Ghee or cooking oil
1/4 cup (For tempering)
Garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
Cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon (For tempering)
Instructions
1
Rinse the red lentils in several changes of water until the water runs clear to remove any impurities.
2
Soak the rinsed lentils in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain them.
3
In a large pot, combine the drained lentils with 3 cups of water, salt, and red chili powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are very tender and creamy. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add more water, cooking it further until you achieve a soup-like consistency.
5
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the tempering. In a frying pan, heat the ghee or cooking oil over medium heat.
6
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and fry until it turns a light golden brown.
7
Next, add the cumin seeds to the pan and fry briefly until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
8
Pour this tempering over the cooked lentils and stir well. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
9
Remove from heat and cover the pot to let the flavors develop.
10
Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh chopped coriander, the chopped green chilies, and a sprinkle of garam masala on top.
11
This delicious curry pairs excellently with steamed rice or warm chapatis.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
30g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spiced Red Lentil Curry?
It is a rich, comforting dish made with red lentils, aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala, and tempered with garlic, typically served with rice or chapatis.
Is this red lentil curry vegan-friendly?
Yes, if you use cooking oil instead of ghee for the tempering, the recipe is entirely vegan.
How many calories are in a serving of this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 10g of protein per serving, making it a high-protein vegetarian option.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include red lentils, water, red chili powder, salt, turmeric, green chilies, coriander, garam masala, ghee or oil, garlic, and cumin seeds.
How long should I soak the red lentils?
The lentils should be soaked in cold water for about 30 minutes after rinsing.
What is the purpose of rinsing the lentils?
Rinsing the red lentils in several changes of water helps remove any impurities before cooking.
How long does it take to cook the lentils until tender?
Once boiling, lentils typically take 20 to 30 minutes to become very tender and achieve a creamy consistency.
What should I do if the curry looks too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, you can add more water and cook it further until you reach your desired soup-like consistency.
What is the tempering process for this curry?
Tempering involves heating ghee or oil, frying chopped garlic until golden brown, then adding cumin seeds until fragrant before pouring the mixture over the lentils.
Which spices are used for the base seasoning?
The lentils are initially boiled with salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder for flavor and color.
How many garlic cloves are used in the tempering?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with fresh chopped coriander, chopped green chilies, and a sprinkle of garam masala.
What can I serve with Creamy Spiced Red Lentil Curry?
This curry pairs excellently with steamed rice or warm chapatis.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a gentle heat provided by one teaspoon of red chili powder and two chopped green chilies.
What is the fat content in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 6.7g of fat.
How much water is needed to cook 1 cup of red lentils?
You will need 3 cups of water for the initial cooking process.
Can I use any other lentils for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses red lentils (masoor dal) because they cook down into a creamy texture quickly.
What type of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This is an Indian cuisine dish, often referred to as Masoor Dal.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the health benefits mentioned in the description?
It is described as a satisfying, nutritious, and high-protein meal that is wholesome and vegan-friendly.
How long should the cumin seeds be fried?
Cumin seeds should be fried briefly for approximately 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
Do I need to cover the pot after adding the tempering?
Yes, after stirring in the tempering and cooking for 5 minutes, you should cover the pot to let the flavors develop.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I use ghee for a vegan diet?
No, ghee is clarified butter. To keep it vegan, use a plant-based cooking oil.
How much garam masala is required?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garam masala, primarily for garnish.
Is this a fast recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is suitable for a family meal.
What color should the garlic be in the tempering?
The garlic should be fried until it turns a light golden brown.
What is the role of turmeric in this curry?
Turmeric powder is added for both its distinct flavor and its vibrant yellow color.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
The curry should be served hot for the best flavor and experience.