Red Lentil Dal and Rice Bowls

Red lentil dal and rice bowls highlight a tasty legume. A cross between a stew and a hot dip made of well-cooked legumes, dal is often served with fresh Indian flatbreads like chapatis or naan. This red lentil curry recipe cooks up quickly, and is a nourishing addition to your cool-weather repertoire.

Dal is a traditional Indian recipe that’s naturally vegan, usually made with red lentils. It’s sometimes made with dried split peas, which can be equally tasty, though peas take a lot longer to cook (unless, of course, you cook them in an Instant Pot®).

Red lentils, a quick-cooking legume

Tiny red lentils cook up quickly (15 to 20 minutes) and are highly recommend to keep on hand as a pantry staple. Stored in mason jars, they keep well for several months, at least, in a cool dry kitchen.

Red lentils cook to a delectably mushy texture that makes a great base for soups and stews. They’re good for making burgers, too.

You’ll find iron- and fiber-rich red lentils in the bulk sections of natural foods stores. or in convenient packages, like the Bob’s Red Mill brand.

Explore more …

• Hearty vegan lentil recipes
• Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup
• Red Lentil and Quinoa Burgers
• Loaded Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Hummus)

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Yield: 6

Red Lentil Dal and Rice Bowls

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Red lentil dal and rice bowls are a lovely way to feature the tiny legume.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, very finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli or cauliflower
• 2 teaspoons grated fresh or bottled ginger
• 2 teaspoons good-quality curry powder or garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin and/or coriander
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• About 6 cups hot cooked rice (try jasmine or Basmati)

Garnishes (use any or all)

• 2 limes, quartered
• 1/2 cup chopped red or yellow onion, or as desired
• Cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onion and carrot and sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until all are golden.
2. Add the lentils, water, broccoli, ginger, curry powder, and cumin. Bring to a slow boil, then lower the heat, simmer gently with the cover ajar until the lentils are mushy, about 15 minutes. The consistency should be that of a thick stew. Add a small amount of water if need be, but let it stay nice and thick.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Distribute hot cooked rice between shallow bowls, and garnish with lime wedges, chopped onion, and/or cilantro. Serve at once.

See lots more tasty and easy vegan main dishes.

First and third photos: Vaaseenaa/Bigstock