Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin
A simple yet soul-satisfying lentil soup from Northern India, made with red lentils, cumin, and turmeric for an authentic, aromatic experience. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed masoor dal, water, cumin seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed masoor dal
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1 medium, diced tomato
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a pot, combine 1 cup rinsed masoor dal with 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and broken down.
- Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 1 tsp cumin seeds in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant and sizzling (about 1 minute), then set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger to the lentil pot. Cook for 5 minutes until onion is soft and translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 medium diced tomato, 1 tsp coriander powder, and the toasted cumin seeds. Simmer for 10 minutes until tomato is fully incorporated and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tbsp lime juice. Adjust salt if needed and serve hot with rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed masoor dal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Indian Masoor Dal with Cumin?
Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 40-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
