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Dal Tadka Lentil Curry Easy Spiced Vegan Dinner Recipe for Perfect Flavor

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A quick, hearty, and flavorful vegan lentil curry featuring a sizzling tempering of spices that transforms simple red lentils into a comforting meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, pureed or finely chopped (canned tomatoes can be used)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • A pinch of asafoetida (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sunflower oil preferred; ghee optional if not vegan)
  • Salt to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 3 cups (720ml) water or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Finely chop the onion, mince garlic and ginger, and puree or finely chop the tomatoes. Set all ingredients aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed lentils, turmeric, salt, and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Skim off any foam that rises. Cook lentils until soft but not mushy, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. While lentils cook, heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; cook until they start to pop and crackle (about 30 seconds). Add asafoetida if using, then add chopped onion. Cook until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in pureed tomatoes, red chili powder, and ground coriander. Simmer until oil starts to separate from the tomato-spice mixture, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Pour the sautéed spice and tomato mixture into the cooked lentils. Stir well to combine and simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Add water or broth if the dal is too thick to reach desired consistency.
  7. Turn off heat and stir in garam masala. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not skip tempering the spices as it is essential for authentic flavor. Rinse lentils thoroughly to avoid gummy texture. Control heat when cooking garlic and ginger to prevent bitterness. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Adjust consistency with water or broth as needed. Salt well to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: dal tadka, lentil curry, vegan dinner, Indian recipe, easy lentil curry, spiced lentils, vegan protein, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/dal-tadka-lentil-curry-easy-spiced-vegan-dinner-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/