One Pot Vegan Dal

Name: One Pot Vegan Dal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 piece Ginger (thumb-sized, grated); 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil (or a little oil for sautéing); 1 teaspoon Cumin; 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander; 1 teaspoon Curry Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Paprika Powder; 0.5 teaspoon Chili Powder (optional, if you want some chili); 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 200 g Red Lentils (approximately 1 cup); 300 ml Canned Coconut Milk; 300 ml Water; to taste pinch Salt; to taste pinch Black Pepper

This is a quick and delicious one-pot vegan dal recipe, perfect for a speedy meal. Inspired by Indian cuisine, it's incredibly versatile, flavor-packed, and naturally vegan-friendly. Made with red lentils, aromatic spices, coconut milk, and fresh ginger and garlic, this hearty and comforting dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

#Veganuary

#Vegan

#One Pot

#Dal

#Indian

#Lentil

#Curry

#Quick Meal

#Plant-Based

Finished One Pot Dal

Recipe Information

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

25m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Indian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

350

Calories

13g

Protein

34g

Carbs

19g

Fat

Dal Simmering in the Pot

Ingredients

Servings: 4

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Mixing Spices and Tomato Paste

Instructions

0/6 completed

1
Mince the garlic cloves and grate the thumb-sized piece of ginger. Have all other ingredients measured out and ready.
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3m
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Mince the garlic cloves and grate the thumb-sized piece of ginger. Have all other ingredients measured out and ready.
3m
Prepping all ingredients before cooking, known as 'mise en place', helps to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
2
Heat a little cooking oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
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3m
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Heat a little cooking oil in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3m
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Cook until just golden and aromatic.
3
Stir in the cumin, ground coriander, curry powder, paprika powder, and chili powder (if using). Add the tomato paste and roast briefly for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices and paste with the aromatics.
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2m
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Stir in the cumin, ground coriander, curry powder, paprika powder, and chili powder (if using). Add the tomato paste and roast briefly for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices and paste with the aromatics.
2m
Roasting the spices helps to release their full aroma and flavor, enhancing the depth of the dal.
4
Add the red lentils, canned coconut milk, and water to the pot. Stir everything together well, ensuring no spices are sticking to the bottom.
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2m
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Add the red lentils, canned coconut milk, and water to the pot. Stir everything together well, ensuring no spices are sticking to the bottom.
2m
Red lentils cook relatively quickly and break down easily, making them perfect for a creamy, one-pot dal.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick, creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, creating a thick, creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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If the dal becomes too thick, you can add a little more water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6
Once the dal is cooked and creamy, remove from heat. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice, alongside rice or naan bread.
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Once the dal is cooked and creamy, remove from heat. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice, alongside rice or naan bread.
1m
A drizzle of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted seeds can add extra texture and flavor.