Tamarind-Cumin Masur Dal

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

A comforting lentil soup with tangy tamarind and warm cumin notes, slow-simmered to perfection. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Masur dal, medium Onion, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup masur dal under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 chopped green chili to the pot, sautéing until the onion is golden brown (about 5 minutes).
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder, then add the rinsed 1 cup masur dal and 3 cups water. Bring to a rolling boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are soft and the dal has thickened, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and cook for 2 more minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and remove from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Cumin Masur Dal take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tamarind-Cumin Masur 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 masur dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Cumin Masur 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 Tamarind-Cumin Masur 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 Tamarind-Cumin Masur 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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