Seasoned Dhal (Masala Dhal)
A flavorful Indian lentil dish made with red masoor dal, aromatic spices, and coconut milk. This comforting dhal is seasoned with mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric, finished with fresh cilantro and lemon juice.
Ingredients
- •1 cup masoor dal (small orange, a.k.a. "red," lentils)
- •3 cups water
- •¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- •½ teaspoon brown mustard seeds
- •½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- •⅛ teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
- •½ cup well-stirred canned unsweetened coconut milk
- •¼ cup chopped cilantro
- •2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Bring lentils and 3 cups water to a boil with turmeric in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then gently simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until falling apart, about 20 minutes.
20 min
- 2.
When lentils are cooked, heat oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then cook mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes until mustard seeds begin to pop and/or turn gray and cumin seeds brown, about 1 minute. Stir spice mixture into lentils with coconut milk, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt and bring to a simmer.
5 min
