Easy Tarka Dal (Vegan Red Lentil Curry)
Tarka dal is the ultimate simple lentil curry - just a few aromatic spices can transform a few lentils into a creamy, richly flavourful dish!
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 380kcal
Recipe printed from www.easycheesyvegetarian.com
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon chopped mild red chillies (I used frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 Tablespoon tomato puree / paste
- 180 g (~ 1 cup) red lentils
- 500 ml (~ 2 cups) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a saucepan, and add the onion, garlic, chillies, and the 4 spices. Cook over a medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion has begun to soften. Add the tomato puree, and cook for a few more minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add the red lentils, water and salt, and bring to a gentle simmer (medium heat). Stirring regularly, allow the lentils to cook until they are soft, and most of the excess water has been absorbed. If the mixture begins to dry up before the lentils are completely soft, add a splash more water.
- The tarka dal will be ready to eat as soon as the lentils are completely soft, but if you have a little extra time, I recommend leaving it to simmer gently for a bit longer (perhaps an additional 10 minutes after the lentils have softened), as the lentils will begin to break down, and will make the dal extra creamy. If you do cook the lentils for a little longer, you'll probably need a little extra water.
- Serve topped with fresh coriander (cilantro), if desired.
Notes
I used frozen chopped chillies, but fresh chillies can be used instead if desired.
Leftovers can be frozen in an air-tight tub if needed. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop (you may need to add an extra splash of water).
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Tarka Dal (Vegan Red Lentil Curry)
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 380
Calories from Fat 71
% Daily Value*
Fat 7.9g12%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 1190mg50%
Potassium 955mg27%
Carbohydrates 56.6g19%
Fiber 26.1g104%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 21.8g44%
Calcium 88mg9%
Iron 7mg39%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.