Dal (Spiced Lentil Soup) Recipe

By
Max Falkowitz
Max Falkowitz is a contributing writer at Serious Eats.
Max Falkowitz
Max Falkowitz is a food and travel writer from Queens. From 2012 to 2015 he worked at Serious Eats, first as New York editor and later as features editor. He's also the co-author of the Dumpling Galaxy Cookbook with Helen You, and the author of the trivia game Taste Test: 200 Trivia Questions for Food Nerds.
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Updated Aug. 30, 2018
20110804 - 163932 dal.jpg
Max Falkowitz

There as many versions of dal as there are Indian cooks. This is just one of mine, made with red split lentils and with no vegetable other than onions. The flavor is very South Indian, but the use of butter instead of oil (I actually use the spiced clarified butterniter kibbeh) and the inclusion of vadouvan at the end (to refresh the soup's flavor) take this out of strictly traditional territory.

Don't be intimidated by the long list of spices. If you don't have some, the dal will survive, and it readily tolerates substitutions (the curry leaves do add an important touch, though). What you can't cheat on is time. Dal should cook for at least an hour, which accomplishes three things: the near-total breakdown of the lentils, which thickens the liquid with starch; the diffusion and blending of spices; and the slow braise of onions, as important to the dish as the spices themselves.

Oh, and don't skimp on the fat either. Six tablespoons for a pound of lentils is hardly extravagant, but health-conscious eaters who choose to go without may face a chalky, insipid mush.

When made with care and a little love, dal is one of the most satisfying and comforting meals that can come out of any kitchen. Treat it well and it will more than return the favor. And should you need respite from a cold or inner peace from the previous day's alcoholic excesses, dal makes a fine cure-all.

Recipe Facts

4.7

(3)

Active:60 mins
Total:105 mins
Serves:4 to 6 servings

Rate & Comment

开云体育波胆

  • 6tablespoonsoil, butter, orniter kibbeh

  • 2largeonions, chopped

  • 3inchesginger, peeled and minced

  • 3jalapeñochiles, minced

  • Heavypinchasafoetida

  • 12curry leaves

  • 2teaspoonsmustard seeds

  • 1tablespooncoriander, freshly ground

  • 2teaspoonscumin

  • 2teaspoonspaprika

  • 1pound(2 cups)red lentils(masoor dal)

  • 1teaspoonvadouvan, garam masala, orcurry powder

  • Yogurtand minced cilantro, for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large, heavy pot, heat fat on high, then add onions. Cook until soft and slightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes, then add ginger, chiles, and spices. Stir constantly to prevent spices from sticking and burning.

  2. When mustard seeds start to pop, add lentils and 6 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until lentils almost completely fall apart, about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add water as needed. When lentils are soft, add salt to taste.

  3. Ten minutes before serving, stir in vadouvan. Serve warm with yogurt and cilantro, if desired.

This Recipe Appears In

Nutrition Facts(per serving)
251 Calories
15g Fat
23g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 251
% Daily Value*
Total Fat15g 19%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol0mg 0%
Sodium188mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein8g
Vitamin C 8mg 42%
Calcium 56mg 4%
Iron 4mg 21%
Potassium 467mg 10%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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