Creamy Coconut Lentil Dal is a flavorful and comforting dish that features tender lentils cooked in a rich coconut milk sauce, infused with aromatic spices. This vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for a hearty meal served with rice or naan!

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (rinsed and drained)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Timing

Making Creamy Coconut Lentil Dal takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Spices

1. Mix in Spices: Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and cook for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Cook Lentils

1. Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture is creamy. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.

Step 4: Finish the Dal

1. Season: Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the dal warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.
2. Pairing Suggestions: Enjoy with steamed rice, naan, or as a soup!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Creamy Coconut Lentil Dal (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	12g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	8g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, kale, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust the level of chili powder to suit your heat preference, or add fresh chilies for more spice.
• Creamier Texture: For an even creamier dal, blend half of the mixture before serving and then stir it back in.

Conclusion

Creamy Coconut Lentil Dal is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, this recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. Enjoy this delightful recipe!