Lentil Dal Recipe | How to Make Dal (Ingredients & Steps)

Name: Lentil Dal Recipe | How to Make Dal (Ingredients & Steps)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1/2 tbsp garlic (about 1–2 cloves), minced; 4 cups cauliflower florets, cut small; 2 tomatoes, diced; 2 cups water; 2 1/2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained; 1 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 3/4 cup cooked basmati rice (for serving); 6 cups cooked long-grain rice (alternative serving option)

38 min

Cook Time

Main Dishes

Cuisine

6 Servings

Serving

Easy

Difficulty

İyi Bir Yemek

Recipe Author

Ingredients

6 Servings

Directions

Soften the onion

Set a pot over medium heat. Warm the olive oil, add the onion, and cook for 3–4 minutes until it turns soft.

Bloom the spices

Stir in the ginger, cumin seeds, turmeric, and garlic. Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.

Add vegetables

Add the cauliflower and tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, so the tomatoes start to break down a bit.

Add lentils and water

Tip in the rinsed lentils and pour in the water. Stir once and bring to a boil.

Simmer until tender

Reduce to low heat and keep the lid slightly ajar. Simmer 30–35 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the dal thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water.

Season and finish

Stir in the salt. Right before turning off the heat, mix in the lime juice and sprinkle in the cilantro.

Serve

Serve hot over cooked basmati rice. Long-grain rice works well too.

This lentil dal recipe is a cozy pot of lentils cooked with onion, garlic, ginger, cumin seeds, and turmeric. It gently thickens as it simmers, with cauliflower and tomatoes adding body. Finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro, then serve over rice for an easy, practical meal.