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Red lentil curry (dhal) with spinach and tomatoes topped with cilantro.

The BEST Easy Red Lentil Curry

This Red Lentil Curry, also known as Dhal, is a comforting recipe that's both vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prepping.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 243kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 can, 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Optional:

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder, for a spicier version
  • ½ cup coconut milk, for creaminess

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute. Add the turmeric, cumin, and coriander, stirring well for another minute.
  • Mix in the rinsed red lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
  • If desired, add chili powder for heat and/or coconut milk for creaminess, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Consistency: Adjust the amount of broth to achieve your desired consistency. The curry should be creamy but not overly thick.
  • Spice Level: Tailor the heat to your preference by adjusting the amount of chili powder.
  • Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 549IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 5mg
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