Red Lentil Curry Recipe

red lentils

🥗Healthier: green lentils

💰Cheaper: split peas

Green lentils are often cheaper and have a firmer texture.

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil adds flavor while being a healthier fat.

green chili

🥗Healthier: bell pepper

💰Cheaper: jalapeño

Bell pepper adds sweetness without heat.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: green onions

Parsley provides a similar freshness at a lower cost.

Put the lentils into a bowl and cover with water.

Move the lentils around and pour out the cloudy water with any small bits floating on top. Do this two more times until the water is pretty clear.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

Stir in the lentils when the water comes to a boil and cook until tender, skimming the foam occasionally.

To prevent the pot from boiling over, place a wooden spoon on top.

Heat a pot and add ghee or the oil you're using.

When the ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and let them sizzle and turn color in just a few seconds.

Add chopped onion and minced ginger with a little bit of salt, cooking until soft.

Add minced garlic and cook until golden.

After about 10 minutes, check the lentils; they should be almost cooked.

Add ground turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala, along with a pinch of fenugreek powder if using, and mix for a few seconds without burning the spices.

Add chopped tomatoes and mix everything up, then cover and cook until the tomatoes are soft, stirring in between.

Once the lentils are cooked and broken down, turn off the heat after about 15 minutes, smashing the tomatoes a little bit.

Add the thawed frozen spinach and a little salt; if the spinach wasn't thawed properly, cook for just a minute.

Mix everything together, taste, and add more salt if needed.

Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top as an optional last step.

Heat a little ghee or oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and red chilies; break open the chilies for more spice if desired.

Add a little garlic, red chili powder, and curry leaves, then pour this mixture over the dal for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary