Chickpea Dal
A hearty, protein-packed lentil dish with a smoky flavor, ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs canned chickpeas, split yellow lentils, medium, diced onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 400g, canned chickpeas
- 100g split yellow lentils
- 1 medium, diced onions
- 2 medium, chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat coconut oil in a pot, add cumin seeds and sauté until aromatic (1 minute). Add onions, cook until golden (5-7 minutes). Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Add chopped tomatoes, cook until softened (8-10 minutes). Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala. Pour in water to cover, add lentils and chickpeas.
- Step 3: Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning and serve with rice or naan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chickpea Dal 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 Chickpea Dal?
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 canned chickpeas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chickpea Dal?
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 Chickpea Dal 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.
Is Chickpea Dal vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
