Healthy Lentil Recipe – Masoor Dal Curry

It’s Thirsty Thursday, and I’m back in the kitchen! While I don’t intend to go into detail about cooking today, a comforting dal or a mildly spiced curry can work wonders for my palate. This is especially true on a Thursday night when I’m overwhelmed with work and neck-deep in blogging. With little time to spare, I find myself thinking of simple yet delicious recipes that are quick to prepare and easy to follow.

Today, I’d like to share my version of a Simple Red Lentil (Masoor Dal) curry, featuring a blend of spices and a delightful texture. You can enjoy it with rice or parathas. I personally find the word “curry” very satisfying; it gives the impression of a hearty meal. Jokes aside, whether you call it curry or masala, I can guarantee that this dish will be the star of your comfort food table.

Go ahead and give it a try. Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

Red Lentils ( Masoor ) parboiled – 200 gm
One small onion
One small tomato
Garlic – a few flakes
Carrot – 30 gm ( diced )
Kashmiri Red Chilli powder – 1 tbsp
Coriander powder – 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder – a pinch
Garam Masala – a pinch
Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
Red / Green Chillies ( finely chopped ) – 1 tbsp
Vegetable stock – 100 ml ( optionally, you can use hot water )
Salt – to taste
Oil – 30 ml
Curd ( beaten ) – 2 tbsp ( You can use cream as an option )
Coriander – for garnish

Method:

1 ) Heat oil in a kadhai or a pan. Add the mustard seeds and temper for a few seconds. Reduce flame, now add carrots, sliced onion and tomato along with chopped garlic and saute for 5 minutes on a medium flame. Add Red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander.
2 ) Add the red lentils and chopped chillies and mix well.
3 ) Add the vegetable stock along with garam masala and salt. Mix well and cover it with a lid. Simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes. Check whether lentils are cooked well. Remove from fire. Serve hot garnished with beaten curd and chopped coriander.

P.S. I have added Carrot to this recipe for a crunchy taste. You can add other veggies like pumpkin, yam etc. The choice is endless.