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Easy Dal Delight Recipe

4.7 from 74 reviews

Easy Dal Delight is a comforting and flavorful Indian-inspired lentil stew that combines black lentils with aromatic spices, tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, and kale. This nutritious and hearty dish is enhanced with fresh ginger, garlic, and optional tofu cream for a smooth texture, making it perfect for a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and rich in plant-based protein.

Ingredients

Scale

Lentils and Vegetables

  • 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)

Spices

  • 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)

Optional Additions

  • 1/2 cup Tofu Cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Begin by finely chopping the onion, ginger, and garlic to create a fragrant base for the dal. Measure out all spices beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and the mixture is aromatic, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add Lentils and Spices: Stir in the rinsed black lentils followed by cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well to ensure the lentils are evenly coated with spices.
  4. Simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce and enough water to just cover the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
  5. Incorporate Vegetables: Add diced sweet potato and chopped kale to the pot. Continue simmering until the sweet potatoes are soft and cooked, about 10 additional minutes.
  6. Blend (Optional): For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to briefly blend the dal to your desired consistency. This step is optional if you prefer a chunkier stew.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the dal into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Black lentils can be substituted with green or red lentils for variation.
  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best aroma and taste.
  • You may adjust chili powder to control the heat level.
  • Tofu cream is optional, but it adds a wonderful creaminess and plant-based protein.
  • For a gluten-free option, make sure tomato sauce contains no added gluten ingredients.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: dal recipe, lentil stew, Indian lentil recipe, vegetarian dinner, healthy lentils, easy dal, black lentils, plant-based protein