This healthy yellow lentil dal recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s also super versatile; you can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or what's in your pantry. One of my favorite things about this dal recipe is how satisfying it is; It's packed with flavor without any unnecessary fuss.
I developed this recipe over the years, inspired by my grandmother's cooking. She taught me the importance of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a recipe I’ve perfected over time, adapting it to suit my modern lifestyle while retaining its core essence – it’s comforting and nourishing. I hope you find the same joy in preparing this as I do. I've included various serving sizes below to make it even more convenient.
Required Equipments
- Medium-sized pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional)
Healthy Dal Recipe (Updated March 15 2025)
A simple yet flavorful recipe for healthy yellow lentil dal, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, rinse your lentils thoroughly under cold water. This removes any dust or debris and helps improve the texture of your final dish. I know it seems simple, but trust me, this little step makes a difference!
- Next, in a medium-sized pot, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil over medium heat. Don't rush this! Let the oil gently warm up; you want to avoid burning it.
- Now add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, or until they start to splutter and release their aroma. This is what makes this dal smell amazing. It's the magic touch!
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference). Stir well to combine the spices with the ghee and create a fragrant base for your dal. Don't be afraid to experiment here; this is where you can add your own personal touch.
- Stir in 1 cup of yellow lentils and 3 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil. Make sure you are stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning of the lentils at the bottom of the pot.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are completely tender and have broken down. You want the consistency to be smooth and creamy. If it seems a little thick, add a little more water.
- If you're using a blender, carefully transfer the cooked dal to a blender. Blend until smooth. You can leave some lentils whole if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture. If using a blender, be cautious—hot liquids can cause serious burns.
- Season with salt to taste, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens up the flavor and adds a nice tang. I always add a dash of lemon juice to almost everything, even coffee, it's become a habit!
- Once the seasoning is done, garnish generously with fresh cilantro. This adds both flavor and a lovely visual appeal. I love the vibrant green against the warm tones of the dal.
- Serve your delicious, healthy dal hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan bread. Enjoy! I usually pair this with a simple side salad – sometimes life's about keeping things easy, and not getting bogged down with complex recipes.
📝 Notes
- For a smoother dal, blend it after cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) enhances the flavor.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to any type of lentil, though the cooking time might differ
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 10 g
Calcium: 30 mg
