Carrot and red lentil dhal
Summary:
Let’s dive into the mouthwatering world of Carrot and red lentil dhal! A delightful combination of flavors and textures, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fuels your body with essential nutrients. It’s the perfect meal for those looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste. Ready to start this culinary journey?
Ingredients:
- Carrots: 4 medium-sized (approximately 1 cup, finely chopped) [250 grams]
- Red lentils: 1 cup [200 grams]
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped [150 grams]
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated [25 grams]
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons [30 ml]
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: ½ teaspoon (adjust as per taste)
- Fresh cilantro: A handful, chopped [20 grams]
- Salt: To taste
- Water: 4 cups [1 liter]
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 230
- Proteins: 11 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 15 grams
- Sugars: 5 grams
- Fats: 4 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
Instructions:
- Start by washing the red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch and prevents the dhal from becoming too sticky.
- In a large pot or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger. Fry for a minute until they release their fragrances.
- Now, add the chopped carrots to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the carrots are coated with the olive oil and onion mixture.
- It’s time to spice things up! Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and red chili powder.
- After giving everything a good mix, add in the washed red lentils.
- Pour in the water and season with salt.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes. The lentils should be soft and the carrots tender.
- Once cooked, remove from heat. If you like a smoother texture, you can use a hand blender to pulse the dhal a few times.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your spice tolerance.
- If the dhal gets too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Using fresh ingredients always enhances the taste of Carrot and red lentil dhal.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Carrot and red lentil dhal piping hot with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- A side of fresh salad with lemon dressing pairs beautifully with this dhal.
- Enjoy it with whole wheat chapatis or naan for a traditional touch.
FAQs:
1. What makes Carrot and red lentil dhal healthy?
Carrot and red lentil dhal combines the nutrients of both carrots and lentils, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
2. Can I use green lentils instead of red?
Yes, but note that green lentils have a slightly different texture and longer cooking time than red lentils.
3. How can I store leftover dhal?
You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
4. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! No animal products are used in this Carrot and red lentil dhal recipe.
5. Can I add other vegetables to this dhal?
Of course! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas can be added for more variety.
6. How spicy is this dhal?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of chili powder used.
7. What other spices can be added to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with spices like garam masala or fennel seeds for a different flavor profile.
8. I don’t have fresh ginger. Can I use ginger powder?
Yes, replace the fresh ginger with ½ teaspoon of ginger powder.
9. Why do I need to wash the lentils?
Washing removes excess starch, ensuring a non-sticky texture in your dhal.
10. Can I freeze Carrot and red lentil dhal?
Yes, you can freeze it in portions. Just ensure it’s cooled before freezing and consumed within a month.
There you have it! Dive into the rich, flavorful world of Carrot and red lentil dhal and let this dish become your next favorite. Happy cooking!
Carrot and red lentil dhal
Nutritions
Ingredients
- – Carrots: 4 medium-sized approximately 1 cup, finely chopped [250 grams]
- – Red lentils: 1 cup [200 grams]
- – Onion: 1 large finely chopped [150 grams]
- – Garlic cloves: 3 minced
- – Ginger: 1-inch piece grated [25 grams]
- – Olive oil: 2 tablespoons [30 ml]
- – Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- – Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- – Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
- – Red chili powder: ½ teaspoon adjust as per taste
- – Fresh cilantro: A handful chopped [20 grams]
- – Salt: To taste
- – Water: 4 cups [1 liter]
Instructions
- Start by washing the red lentils under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes any excess starch and prevents the dhal from becoming too sticky.
- In a large pot or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger. Fry for a minute until they release their fragrances.
- Now, add the chopped carrots to the pot. Stir well, ensuring the carrots are coated with the olive oil and onion mixture.
- It’s time to spice things up! Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and red chili powder.
- After giving everything a good mix, add in the washed red lentils.
- Pour in the water and season with salt.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes. The lentils should be soft and the carrots tender.
- Once cooked, remove from heat. If you like a smoother texture, you can use a hand blender to pulse the dhal a few times.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
2. If the dhal gets too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Using fresh ingredients always enhances the taste of **Carrot and red lentil dhal**.
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