This healthy red lentil curry is prepared using flavorful Indian spices. A protein-filled, vegan, and vegetarian option perfect for lunch or dinner.
Lentil curry is a very common delicacy in Indian households. I would say it is a staple diet for many Indians and is popularly known as Dal. Usually, lentils are cooked separately in a pressure cooker and then added to the curry prepared with onions, tomatoes, and spices. And, it tastes amazing with garlic naan bread or plain rice.
However, I decided to make this curry in one pot. Do you know why? It becomes very messy inside the pressure cooker (Indian one) after the lentils are done and I absolutely hate washing the cooker. Much to my dismay, my pressure cooker is not dishwasher safe.
Generally in India, dal is prepared using split pigeon peas (also known as toor dal), red lentils or mung beans, or sometimes a mixture of lentils. In this curry recipe, I used red lentils because it is commonly available in US local grocery stores (I found it in the Mexican aisle).
And, making this lentil curry with Indian flavors is really simple. Prepare basic onion and tomato base with spices then add lentils, and water and simmer the mixture until cooked. It is our recent favorite dish and we love it. It is...
- flavorful
- tasty
- satisfying
- healthy
- one-pot recipe
We enjoy this red lentil curry with fresh homemade naan bread. It also goes very well with plain rice.
How this Red Lentil Curry is Healthy?
- Red lentils are packed with dietary fibers, healthy proteins, and essential minerals
- This curry is prepared using very less fat. It does not contain added saturated fat
More Indian Curries You Will Love To Try
📖 Recipe
Healthy Indian Red Lentil Curry
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Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentil
- 4 cup water or use vegetable stock
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3-4 red tomatos chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (mild for less hot curry)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 leaves bay
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- salt
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- FOR SERVING (optional)
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 1 onion sliced
- Homemade Naan or Rice
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds, garlic, ginger and sauté until fragrant
- Add onions and cook until translucent. Add tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, garam masala and cook until tender or it gets to a sauce like consistency
- Now add red lentils and water; bring it to boil
- Add salt, cinnamon stick and bay leaves. Simmer the mixture with lid on for 35-40 min or until the lentil is tender. Serve warm with naan or rice along with a lemon wedge and onion slices
Shanna Howard says
i don't see cumin seeds in the ingredients list
Thank you Shanna for pointing it out. I have made the necessary changes now.
Ahu @ Ahu Eats says
Lentils are one of my favorite ingredients to cook with and I am constantly looking for new recipes. This looks incredible - I can't wait to try it! Will it work with green lentils as well?
I guess this recipe will work with green lentils as well. However, cooking time may vary.
Danielle says
You had me at curry. AND THEN you said naan and I was like, "does she know my life and all the things I love to eat?!?!?!" LOL! Great post this looks absolutely delicious and your photos are lovely =]
Eleanor Davoren says
Going to defo try this. ..yum yum! Excellent photography too!♥
M M says
So making this!
Allison says
Yummm!
Lentil and curry soup is literally my favourite soup of all time. Saving this recipe! Thanks!