Red Split Lentils (Masoor Dal) are an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a comforting and healthy meal that's full of flavor. This simple, family-friendly recipe is not only nutritious but also easy to prepare.
Whether you're cooking for little ones or adults, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. Let's dive into how we can create this tasty red lentil dish that the whole family, including babies, will love.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before we get started, let's take a look at the ingredients we need. For this recipe, we'll be using:
• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 4 ½ cups of water (divided)
• 1 cup of red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1 cup of broccoli florets (optional)
• 1 cup of diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or as needed)
• 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
These ingredients combine to create a rich and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Red Lentil Dal Recipe | Masoor Dal | One Pot Lentil Curry
Video by The Cooking Foodie
Preparing the Rice and Lentils
The first step is to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in several changes of water. We will then let it soak in water for about 15 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature. Once it has soaked, drain the rice and set it aside.
Next, in a large one, we combine the red lentils with 3 cups of water. We bring this mixture to a simmer, skimming off it that forms on the surface. Once it's simmering, we stir in the onion, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, cayenne powder, and turmeric. Reducing the heat to low, we cover the one partially and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
Adding Veggies and Final Touches
Now it's time to add some veggies. We stir in the broccoli, diced tomatoes, peas, and a pinch of salt. Stirring frequently, we let this cook for another 30 minutes, until the lentils become soft and absorb the flavors of the vegetables.
While the lentils cook, let's prepare the rice. In a separate one, combine the drained rice with the remaining 1 ½ cups of water. We bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed (about 20 minutes).
Finishing the Dish
In a small skillet, we heat the olive oil over medium heat. We add the sliced mushrooms, grated ginger, and garlic, cooking and stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant. Once this mixture is ready, pour it over the lentils and stir to distribute the flavor evenly.
Let the lentils cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Finally, serve the hearty lentils alongside the rice for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Serving Tips for Babies
If you're preparing this dish for a baby, simply mix the dal with the rice and allow it to cool completely. You can then mash or puree the mixture depending on your baby's preference. If you've included broccoli in the recipe, it's a good idea to puree the dish. For a more textured meal, leave out the pureeing step if you've added peas.
This red lentil dish is versatile, nutritious, and easy to adapt to different preferences. Whether you're feeding little ones or looking for a wholesome meal for the whole family, this recipe is a go-to option. Enjoy!
