Easy Red Lentil Dhal

Enjoy a bowl of this Red Lentil Dhal – a simple yet delicious bowl of pure comfort. This easy dhal recipe features the hearty goodness of butternut squash and courgette, perfectly melded with coconut milk to achieve that irresistibly creamy texture.

A staple in my pantry is jars of lentils, offering versatility and affordability, perfect for replacing ground meat and shining brilliantly in my beloved curries! It's no secret—I'm a curry enthusiast, evident in the multitude of recipes gracing this blog. Constantly experimenting, new curry creations pop up monthly. The beauty of curries lies in their flexibility; with a medley of spices and any ingredients on hand, you can whip up a delightful meal in no time.

Calories in Easy Red Lentil Dhal

This Dhal recipes serves 6 and is 272 calories per serving.

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 200+ calorie recipes.

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.

Prepping Vegetables for Dhal

Properly prepping vegetables for dhal is crucial for achieving optimal flavour and texture integration. Utilizing a food processor to finely chop or mince onions, garlic, ginger, butternut squash, and courgette ensures seamless melding into the dhal, enhancing its consistency and flavour.

Alternatively, if a food processor isn't available, a sharp knife can be used to finely chop the vegetables, aiming for small cuts to achieve a similar effect. Meticulous vegetable prep ensures they blend harmoniously with the lentils, resulting in a flavourful dhal.

Best Pan for Cooking Dhal

When preparing dhal, selecting the appropriate pan is crucial for achieving optimal results. Opt for a heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. These pans facilitate gentle simmering, allowing the lentils to absorb the rich flavours of spices and other ingredients without burning.

Consider a non-stick coated pan to further prevent sticking and simplify cleanup, particularly when cooking over higher heat. Additionally, choose a pan with sufficient capacity to accommodate the dhal as it cooks and expands, reducing the risk of overflowing and ensuring hassle-free preparation. With the right pan, you can effortlessly create flavourful and perfectly cooked dhal every time, making for a satisfying meal enjoyed by all.

Cooking Dhal in a Pressure Cooker

Discover the simplicity and versatility of making dhal in an Instant Pot (or Pressure Cooker). An Instant Pot is the ultimate multi cooker that transforms meal preparation. With functions including slow cooking, pressure cooking, sautéing, and more—such as soup, chili, rice, and even yogurt-making—it's a kitchen essential I use almost daily. From effortlessly peeling boiled eggs to creating flavourful dishes like dhal, soups, stews and casseroles, the Instant Pot does it all.

Today, craving a quick lunch, I turned to my trusty Instant Pot. In just 10 minutes, I combined lentils, butternut squash, zucchini, ginger, garlic, curry powder, stock, and coconut milk, resulting in a delicious lentil dhal perfectly paired with steamed white rice. Experience the magic of Instant Pot cooking with this simple yet satisfying meal.

Sides for Lentil Dhal

Make a complete meal by pairing the lentil dhal with some of the following:

1. Pilau rice: Fragrant and flavourful, pilau rice is the perfect accompaniment to dhal, adding depth and richness to your meal. I love this Sweetcorn Pilau Rice or Courgette Pilau Rice.
2. Plain basmati rice: For a simple and traditional pairing, opt for plain basmati rice, allowing the flavours of the dhal to shine.
3. Naan bread: Indulge in the soft and pillowy texture of naan bread, perfect for scooping up mouthfuls of dhal and savoring every bite. The Greek Yoghurt Garlic Naan are delicious
4. Indian salad: Refresh your palate with a crisp and vibrant Indian salad. To prepare, combine one small red onion (halved and thinly sliced), two baby cucumbers (finely chopped), one ripe tomato (cored, deseeded, and finely chopped), one tablespoon of chopped fresh mint, one tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a vibrant, fresh salad, which can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 3 days.
5. Indian curry dishes: Create a faux "Indian feast" by serving dhal alongside other Indian curry dishes, such as chicken tikka masala, matar paneer, or butter chicken, dupiaza, korma and more for a diverse and satisfying meal. Check out my Indian recipes section.
6. Bhajis and pakoras: Add a crispy and flavourful dimension to your meal. perfect for dipping into the creamy dhal. I love these oven baked onion bhaji and vegetable pakoras.

With these yummy sides, you can turn this lentil dhal into a delicious Indian feast.