Tamarind-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables

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

Hearty lentil stew simmered with tamarind and mixed vegetables, seasoned with cumin and turmeric. This Indian recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs Toor dal, Water, Tamarind paste 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rinsed toor dal, 3 cups water, and 2 tbsp tamarind paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until the dal is tender.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/2 tsp salt to the onion mixture, then add 1 medium diced carrot and 1 medium diced potato. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Add the vegetable mixture to the pot with the dal, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Tamarind-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables?

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 toor dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables?

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-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables 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 Tamarind-Infused Dal with Mixed Vegetables?

Indian indian 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.

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