Masala dal (garlicky spiced lentils)

Masala dal (garlicky spiced lentils)

This Masala dal recipe, or garlicky spiced lentils, is so quick and easy to make and will please vegetarians too.

Masala dal (garlicky spiced lentils)

  • Serves icon Serves 4
  • Time icon Ready in 35 minutes

This Masala dal recipe, or garlicky spiced lentils, is so quick and easy to make and will please vegetarians too.

Ingredients

  • 200g yellow and red lentils (or all red)
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2cm piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 6 fresh or dried curry leaves (Waitrose stocks the dried variety)
  • 1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 tsp Patak’s Garam Masala Paste
  • 200g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • Juice of ½ lemon
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Method

  1. Pour 600ml boiling water into a saucepan. Add the lentils and turmeric. Simmer, partially covered, for 15-20 minutes until they have softened and absorbed most of the water. Add more water if necessary. Remove from the heat.
  2. In another saucepan, heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the mustard and cumin seeds. When they begin to crackle, add the ginger, garlic, curry leaves and chilli. Fry for 1 minute, then add the garam masala paste and tomatoes. Fry for a few more minutes, then spoon into the lentils. Season with salt, to taste.
  3. Bring to the boil, then stir in the coriander and lemon juice.

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