Easy Red Lentil Dahl (One Pot, 30-Minute Vegan Dinner)
This cozy lentil dahl is an easy one pot vegan dinner made with red lentils, warm spices, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and healthy plant based comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained, see notes
- 1 ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ⅛ 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
Instructions
- 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
- 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
- Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.2 teaspoons fresh garlic
- 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
- Simmer the dahl: 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
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and season with extra salt or spices if needed to suit your taste.cilantro, fresh lime