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Red Lentil Dhal with cilantro and lime wedges.

Easy Red Lentil Dhal (One Pot, 30-Minute Vegan Dinner)

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Warm, flavorful, and so EASY to make, this red lentil dhal is packed with spices and healthy ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights and a family-friendly, plant-based meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Calories: 206

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried red lentils rinsed and drained, see notes
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 Roma or plum tomatoes diced finely
  • 1 cup brown onion or more to taste, diced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or use water
  • avocado or olive oil for cooking
  • cilantro for serving
  • fresh lime for serving

Method
 

  1. Toast the spices: In a dry skillet, toast your spices over medium heat until they're aromatic. This really helps bring out all those warm flavors.
    1 ½ teaspoon garam masala, ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  2. Sauté the veggies: Drizzle a little oil into the skillet, then add the tomatoes and onions. Sauté until softened and slightly caramelized.
    2 Roma or plum tomatoes, 1 cup brown onion, avocado or olive oil
  3. Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.
    2 teaspoons fresh garlic
  4. Coat the lentils: Add in the red lentils and stir them into the veggie-spice mixture, coating them evenly. Season with salt and black pepper.
    1 cup dried red lentils, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper to taste
  5. Simmer the dhal: Pour in the broth, cover the pot, and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and flavorful.
    4 cups vegetable broth
  6. Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and season with extra salt or spices if needed to suit your taste.
    fresh lime, cilantro

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 13gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 1530mgPotassium: 655mgFiber: 16gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1037IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 4mg

Notes

  • I usually go with about 2 teaspoons of garlic, which is roughly 2 cloves, but traditionally, dhal is made with more garlic—around 4 cloves—and fresh ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Can I use red split lentils instead of whole red lentils?
    Yes, red split lentils will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
  • To Store. Let the dhal cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
    To Freeze. Good news, it freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
  • To Reheat. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water to loosen it up if necessary.

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