Chickpea Dal

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed lentil dish with a smoky flavor, ideal for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning and serve with rice or naan.

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.

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