Description
A warm and flavorful lentil curry packed with spices and nutrients, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups red lentils
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red chili powder (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds; fry them until they start to crackle and pop, about 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until aromatic.
- Add the turmeric powder, ground coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir the spices for about a minute to release their flavors.
- Pour in the rinsed lentils, water or vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the lemon juice and stir well. Adjust seasoning if required.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
Can be served with rice or flatbreads. Adjust spice levels according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg