Serves 6
107 cal · 40 min
Red Lentils with Onion (Masoor Dal)
Recipe GLPRd917533b2ebae3
This classic Indian dal is a comforting, aromatic dish of creamy red lentils infused with warm spices like turmeric and cumin. Caramelized onions and fried chili peppers add depth and richness, making it a perfect accompaniment to rice or flatbread.
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Ingredients
1/2 cup dried red lentils
1 1/2 cups water (for cooking lentils)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for lentil mix)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon sugar
5 teaspoons vegetable oil (for tempering)
2 chili peppers, halved lengthwise
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 cup water (for final simmer)
Directions
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning.
Place the dried red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cool running water two to three times, stirring gently with your fingers until the water runs mostly clear.
In a large pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, stirring to coat evenly.
Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the lentil mixture and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils have completely broken down and turned a soft, creamy yellow color.
Stir the turmeric powder, cumin powder, and sugar into the cooked lentils, mixing thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. Set aside.
In a separate skillet or shallow pan, heat the 5 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Carefully add the halved chili peppers to the hot oil and allow them to cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion to the oil and stir continuously for 4–6 minutes until the onion becomes light golden and begins to caramelize.
Transfer 2 tablespoons of the spiced lentil mixture to the skillet with the onions and chili peppers, stirring well for about 1 minute to combine.
Pour the remaining spiced lentil mixture into the skillet, stirring to blend everything together.
Add 1 cup of water to the dal and stir well. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 2 minutes until the consistency reaches your desired thickness.
Serve the dal hot over steamed white rice or with flatbread such as naan or roti.
