This easy Red Lentil Dal recipe is a homemade twist on the Indian classic. Completely vegan and naturally gluten-free, you can make Slow Cooker Lentil Dal or Instant Pot Dal to make weeknight cooking a breeze. Packed with warming spices and plant-based protein, it's a simple vegetarian recipe that's sure to go into regular rotation.
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When it comes to tasty, nourishing, plant-based recipes that you should keep in your back pocket, a good lentil dal has got to be top of the list.
What is dal?
Excellent question. And it can be confusing since dal (or dhal – both are correct) refers to both an ingredient and a dish.
Dal the ingredient refers to a type of split pea or lentil. Split mung beans are referred to as mung dal, split chickpeas are called chana dal, and split black lentils are called urid dal.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of the types of dal, just a few examples!
Dal the dish refers to a spiced soup or stew made from simmering dal (the ingredient) until it’s broken down. Today we’re going to make Red Lentil Dal (or Red Lentil Dhal, if you prefer) using a mix of split red lentils (masoor dal) and split black lentils (urid dal).
What’s in red lentil dal?
Can’t make a lentil dal without lentils, can we?! Here’s what you’ll need.
- Split red lentils –-> the star of the show
- Urid dal –-> This is split black lentils. You can also use another type of split lentils or peas, which we'll discuss below.
- Vegetable broth –-> Or water is fine too.
- Canned diced tomatoes --> Old faithful.
- Onion –-> just your regular ol’ yellow guy
- Garlic –-> Mmmm, flavour.
- Ginger –-> Bringing the zing!
- Turmeric --> Use the rest of the bag to make Turmeric Latte Mix!
- Green cardamom pods --> Just two or three will do.
- Bay leaf --> Another faithful standby.
- Cumin seeds
- Brown mustard seeds
- Fenugreek seeds
- Coriander seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Salt and pepper
This might look like a lot of ingredients, but it’s mostly in the spice department so worry not. There’s actually very little chopping involved in this recipe.
Do I need any special equipment for this recipe?
When I first posted this recipe back in 2015 I made it using my slow cooker, and that is still a totally great way to make it. However, I have since started testing all of my slow cooker recipes using my beloved Instant Pot, and if you’ve got one it’s a good way to go.
The benefit of making Slow Cooker Dal is that you can set it and forget it. Throw in the ingredients into your slow cooker before work, and when you get home, dinner is done. Can’t argue with that being awesome!
On the other hand, if you get home from work and want a healthy and tasty dinner on the table in around 30 minutes, you should definitely call your pressure cooker into action.
Note: Since the Instant Pot has a slow cooker function, I bought a glass slow cooker lid for the Instant Pot so I can use one machine for both things and re-homed my Crock Pot. I mention this only because you’ll see photos of the Instant Pot when I’m referring to a slow cooker, which can be confusing.
Phew! Glad we got that out of the way.
How do you make red lentil dal?
I’m going to talk you through making this recipe two ways in the recipe card below: Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dal, and also Instant Pot Dal, which is currently my favourite way to make it.
Both techniques start with the same preparation; toasting the spices.
Step 1: Combine the cumin seeds, brown mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds in a small, dry frying pan. You can also add the cardamom pods and bay leaf to the pan if you wish.
Place over medium heat and, stirring often, toast the seeds for a few minutes, until you can begin to smell their fragrance. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 2: Place the lentils in a mesh strainer and rinse well, until the water runs clear. You can do this while the seeds are toasting.
Step 3: Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and sauté until translucent – about 2-3 minutes.
Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute, then add the turmeric, toasted seeds, and salt and pepper.
Note! If you’re using the Instant Pot either as a pressure cooker or a slow cooker, you can do this step right in the IP using the sauté function.
To make Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dal:
Scrape the onions and spices and everything else out of the pan and into your slow cooker. Add the rinsed lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Set your slow cooker on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or LOW for 8-10 hours.
To make Instant Pot Dal:
Add the canned tomatoes to the spice mixture and stir to combine. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth, and stir to make sure there are no lentils sticking to the bottom.
Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes. When the pressure cooking cycle is done you can either use a quick release or let it release naturally.
That’s it! You’re dal is done!
Can I use a different kind of lentil?
Sure thing. I like to use a mix of lentils in this recipe because I think it keeps the texture interesting, but if you can’t find urid dal you can use split mung beans, split chickpeas, or split yellow peas in their place.
You can also totally use 100% split red lentils and just call it a day.
Can I spice it up?
You bet you can! I like to keep my lentil dal pretty mild so I can serve it to my kids (the big one is super sensitive to spice), but by all means throw in some cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
Can dal be made in advance?
Yup. Dal is one of those recipes that only improves with time, so by all means include a big batch in your weekly meal prep or batch cooking. You can even double the recipe if your slow cooker or Instant Pot is big enough.
How long will dal last
You can keep a batch of dal for 3-5 days in the fridge no problem-o. If I know I’m making a big batch, I like to portion some out and freeze it.
I very often freeze soups and stews in empty cottage cheese containers (my husband has a three-tub-a-week cottage cheese habit so we’ve always got some around) but these reusable silicon freezer bags are also great for freezing soups and stews.
Are lentils healthy?
Let’s talk about lentils! These lovely little legumes are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering dietary fiber. The soluble fiber in lentils helps to keep blood sugar stable, while providing a steady source of energy.
But the energy benefits don’t stop there, lentils are a rich source of iron, as well as being a good source of plant-based protein, which is good news for us veg heads. They’re also a great source of heart-healthy folate and magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, zinc, potassium, and B6.
Other recipes you might enjoy:
Mung Bean and Coconut Curry
Slow Cooker Chickpea Curry
Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils
Red Lentil Stew
Red Lentil Dal
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- ¾ cup red lentils
- ¾ cup urid dal or yellow split peas, split mung beans, or just use all red lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- 14 oz diced tomatoes 400g can
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or other neutral flavoured oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 green cardamom pods crushed / split open
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin, mustard, fennel, coriander and fenugreek seeds to the pan. Shake or stir the seeds frequently. When they smell fragrant, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Place red lentils and urid dal into a fine mesh strainer, and rinse well until the water runs clear.
- Heat the oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and sauté until translucent – about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute, then add the turmeric, toasted seeds,
and salt and pepper. - Note! If you’re using the Instant Pot either as a pressure cooker or a slow cooker, you can do this step right in the IP using the sauté function.
To Make Slow Cooker Lentil Dal
- Scrape the onions and spices and everything else out of the pan and into your slow cooker. Add the rinsed lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Place lid on slow cooker and let cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
- Remove lid after cooking time and stir. If the lentils are not fully cooked, replace the lid and cook for another 30-60 minutes, if needed.
To make Instant Pot Dal
- Add the canned tomatoes to the spice mixture and stir to combine. Add the rinsed
lentils and vegetable broth, and stir to make sure there are no lentils sticking to the bottom. - Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes. When the
pressure cooking cycle is done you can either use a quick release or let it release naturally.
To Serve
- Serve the dal over hot brown rice or quinoa, or serve with a bit of bread to sop it up. I like to add red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, and some fresh cilantro leaves.
Notes
- Nutrition values are an estimate only.
- I like to keep my lentil dal pretty mild so I can serve it to my kids, but by all means throw in some cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
- Dal is one of those recipes that only improves with time, so by all means include a big batch in your weekly meal prep or batch cooking. You can even double the recipe if your slow cooker or Instant Pot is big enough.
- You can keep a batch of dal for 3-5 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published December 8, 2015. It was retested, rephotographed, and updated on February 18, 2020.
Agatha
This might be a silly question. But do you keep all the spices whole in the dal when serving. I’ve just put in the slow cooker and wondering if they will just disintegrate with time, I hate the feeling of biting into a spice pod.
Thanks x
Katie Trant
They don't disintegrate, but they do soften with time. I never notice them when eating this dal!
Sureena
I can’t remember if I already made a comment but this is my favourite dish, so easy and tons of flavour!
Maja
So delicious!!! I replaced the red lentils with moong beans and it was one of the slow cooker recipes I’ve ever had. Thanks for sharing 💚😊😍
Rick Fonda
Qs:
1) which oil to use and how much?
2) Also, I have fenugreek leaves but not seeds; any suggestions as to how to substitute?
thanks; planning on making tomorrow
Katie Trant
Hi Rick, whoops, have updated the recipe to include the oil. I use 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, but any neutral-flavoured oil is fine. Reguarding the fenugreek leaves, I'm not sure to be honest. I believe they have a similar flavour to the seeds, but perhaps a bit more potent? I'd suggest stirring in a small amount towards the end of the cook time, tasting, and adding more as needed.
Rick Fonda
Thanks Katie for the prompt reply. I did not have avocado oil so I used EVOO. Also I did not have cardamom pods but only an old jar of cardamom powder so I added a tsp of that. Then at the end I took your suggestion and added roughly 1 & 1/2 tsp of the fenugreek leaves along with 1 tsp of dried cilantro. Finally, because we like a little heat, I added 1/4 tsp ea of red pepper flakes and cayenne. It turned out great- best dal I've ever made! Thanks for the recipe; it's a keeper.
Allison A. Davis
I am amazed how good this was and how easy to make. I have a Breville risotto maker so I can saute right there, and put in the onions, garlic and ginger, roasted those seeds (and SO good for you), had home grown bay leaves, home canned tomatoes, and cheated and used some chicken bone broth I had just made, and turned it on slow and went to bed. I had a delicious lunch today. Thank you. Great recipe. You made it very easy. I want to cook more South Asian food...
Carla @ Foodie Digital
Hands down the best dal recipe. The spice combo is perfect and toasting them separately first is something I never take the time to do, but so glad I did this time. I pureed a portion for my 5 year old (who is picky about tomato chunks!) and she gobbled it right up. To the rest of the pan I added chilli flakes for some heat. Yum!
Katie Trant
Thanks Carla! I also use the purée trick with my kids sometimes, and adding the chili flakes after is a must.
Doug Baker
"big" Instapot fan. Not "bit". typo.
Doug Baker
FWIW, I'm a guy - but don't hold that against me. This recipe is an absolute keeper. I've made dal lots in the past, but I think this is the best yet. Looooovved the spice mixture. Eating it I could close my eyes and easily imagine I was sitting in a good South Asian restaurant.
I'm a bit InstaPot fan, too, and this recipe is absolutely ideal for it. I made a couple small changes; I cooked the onion, ginger, and garlic on the "saute" mode WITH the spices. Not a purist approach, I know, but easy-peasy. Then added the tomatoes and the lentils, closed the lid, and VOILA! Dinner.
Kim
Turned out excellent. I am SO happy you got an Instant Pot! I use mine almost everyday and can't wait to try your IP recipes!
Hanna
This recipe looks sooo delicious and easy! Tho I don't have a slowcooker, so I was wondering if I can make it without one? 🙂
Katie Trant
You definitely can! I haven't tested the exact timings, but I'd say you'd want to simmer on the stovetop for around 30 minutes. I'd cook the onions and spices first, add the lentils and liquid, bring to a boil, reduce and simmer.
Rebecca
This recipe is delicious thanks! I ended up using toor Dahl because that's what I had and it still worked fine. I made curried cabbage and carrots to go with it and it as delicious. This seemed to get better the following days too.
Katie Trant
You've gotta love a recipe that only gets better with time!
alice k mynett
Katie, this red lentil dal is delicious! l like having portions of this tucked in my freezer as additions to a weekday meal that just needs something extra to round it out. The spice combo is perfect, and adds a nice zing.
Amy T
Made this almost according to the recipe and LOVED IT. I left out the bay leaf, used all red lentils, and a bit of ginger powder instead of fresh. I added a cup of coconut milk and juice from one lemon. The flavor was to die for good, but a bit mild. I plan to make it again next week and will add just a pinch of cayenne. We ate this with both jasmine rice and fresh naan bread. So tasty!
Katie Trant
Sounds like some super tasty modifications, Amy! Thanks for sharing 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet
Even though lentils don't take too long to cook I always get lazy and make them in the slow cooker. These look wonderful!
Katie Trant
The slow cooker is a lazy cook's best friend, isn't it? Love it!
Tanja
Loved how easy this was, I added some baby potatoes in the slow cooker to replace the need for rice or bread. Quick and easy thanks for sharing 😀
Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen}
Has the babe had hiccups yet? Thats always a fun time 😉 Hooray for daal, and hooray for slow cookers! I will definitely be giving this one a go 🙂
Katie Trant
Yeah, the hiccups crack me up! I'm pretty much in love with my slow cooker these days, so if you've got any good recipes, let me know 🙂
molly
Aww... I miss being pregnant so much. I have three boys and enjoyed having them to myself during those big belly months. Your blog is interesting and the services you provide intrigue me...although I can't afford them and since I cook for a family an individual dietary meal planning service is not that practical. thanks for sharing...and good luck on being a new mom. your live is almost about to be forever changed and will never be fully yours again. it sounds worse than it really is.
Katie Trant
Hi Molly! I totally know what you mean about having them all to yourself! I honestly think I'll miss this feeling of him or her thumping around in there so much! I do meal planning for families and couples as well, but I do know that bespoke meal plans and dietary consultations are not cheap, so I'm also planning to expand to some non-bespoke plans as well down the road. On my to-do list for my maternity leave!
Linda @ Veganosity
Hahaha! I remember those big kicks. I'll never forget watching a knee or elbow makes its way across my belly during the last few weeks. So amazing! This is such a great recipe, healthy and hearty.
Katie Trant
I know, it's so amazing, and a bit creepy too!