Simple Masala Dal
A comforting lentil curry simmered with fragrant spices, ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, water, finely chopped red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 2 cups water; bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to low, add 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp salt; simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until lentils are very tender and mixture thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 tsp garam masala and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, then cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant; remove from heat and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Masala Dal take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Simple Masala 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 rinsed red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Masala 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 Simple Masala 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 Simple Masala 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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to indian dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
