Name: Easy Dal Delight Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup Black Lentils (substitute with green or red lentils if preferred); 1 medium Onion (fresh is recommended); 1 inch Ginger (fresh ginger is best); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 medium Sweet Potato (can substitute with regular potatoes); 2 cups Kale (can swap with spinach); 1 cup Tomato Sauce (choose no-added-salt for health); 1 teaspoon Cumin (adjust according to palate); 1 teaspoon Coriander (add more for a citrusy burst); 1 teaspoon Garam Masala (a little goes a long way); 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric (essential in Indian cooking); 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder (add as needed); 1/2 cup Tofu Cream (optional)

Introduction

Easy Dal Delight is a comforting and wholesome Indian-inspired dish made with black lentils and fragrant spices. It’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dal is a great way to enjoy a tasty plant-based dinner.

A close-up view of a bowl filled with thick orange soup, likely made from lentils. The surface shows small black mustard seeds sprinkled all over, with some red spice powder creating a splash of color mostly on the left side. Bright green fresh coriander leaves are scattered across the top, adding a touch of freshness. Swirls of white cream are delicately drizzled in a curved pattern, contrasting with the warm tones of the soup. The metal bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Black Lentils (substitute with green or red lentils if preferred)

1 medium Onion (fresh is recommended)

1 inch Ginger (fresh ginger is best)

3 cloves Garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon Cumin (adjust according to palate)

1 teaspoon Coriander (add more for a citrusy burst)

1 teaspoon Garam Masala (a little goes a long way)

1/2 teaspoon Turmeric (essential in Indian cooking)

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder (add as needed)

1 cup Tomato Sauce (choose no-added-salt for health)

1 medium Sweet Potato (can substitute with regular potatoes)

2 cups Kale (can swap with spinach)

1/2 cup Tofu Cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the onion, ginger, and garlic into small pieces for a flavorful base. Measure out all the spices and keep everything ready to go.

Step 2: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic over medium heat until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the rinsed black lentils along with cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the lentils evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce and add enough water to cover the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 5: Add the diced sweet potato and chopped kale to the pot. Continue cooking until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10 more minutes.

Step 6: For a creamier texture, briefly blend the mixture using an immersion blender. This step is optional if you prefer your dal chunky.

Step 7: Ladle the Easy Dal into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use red or green lentils as a quicker-cooking alternative to black lentils.

Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level for milder or hotter dal.

Swap kale with fresh spinach for a softer texture and slightly different flavor.

Add a splash of coconut milk or use tofu cream to create a richer, creamier dal.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, canned lentils can be used for convenience. Add them after sautéing the spices and simply cook until heated through, reducing the simmering time as they are already cooked.