Tamarind-Infused Masoor Dal with Cilantro

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

A quick, tangy lentil soup with tamarind depth, simmered with aromatic spices and fresh cilantro. This indian-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs masoor dal, tamarind paste, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup masoor dal under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a pot, combine 1/2 cup diced onion, 1 tsp minced ginger, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder. Sauté over medium heat for 4 minutes until onions are soft.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups water and 1 cup rinsed masoor dal, bringing to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until dal is tender and the water has reduced by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until the tamarind dissolves and the dal thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tamarind-Infused Masoor Dal with Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Masoor Dal with Cilantro?

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 masoor dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tamarind-Infused Masoor Dal with Cilantro?

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 Masoor Dal with Cilantro 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 Masoor Dal with Cilantro?

Indian soups 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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