Dal has been the backbone of Indian home cooking for centuries, with every region adding its own twist.
In North India, masala-based dals reign supreme—thick, tangy, and spooned lavishly over steaming rice. Masoor Dal (red lentils) cooks faster than most, making it a weekday hero when time is short.
Masoor Dal Curry is a warm, comforting red-lentil stew that’s as simple as it is nutritious. Flavored with everyday spices and fresh aromatics, it comes together in under an hour and makes for a perfect lunch-box option or cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Masoor Dal Curry
- Speedy Soak & Simmer: Red lentils soften in about an hour of soaking and 30 minutes of simmering.
- Flavor-Forward Masala: Ginger, garlic, chili, and a blend of spices build depth without complexity.
- Protein-Packed Comfort: Lentils deliver plant-based protein, fiber, and iron—ideal for balanced meals.
- Lunch Box Friendly: Stays moist and delicious when reheated; no watery mess.
Ingredient Breakdown: The Flavor Roles
- Masoor Dal: Creamy texture and quick-cooking base.
- Onion, Garlic & Ginger: Aromatic trifecta that forms the backbone of the masala.
- Tomatoes: Add natural acidity and body.
- Green Chilies & Hing: A touch of heat and umami depth.
- Turmeric, Kashmiri Chili, Coriander & Cumin Powders: Earthy warmth, mild heat, and bright color.
- Amchur Powder: Tangy kick that elevates the curry.
- Garam Masala & Ghee: Final flourish for complexity and a glossy finish.
- Coriander Leaves: Herbaceous garnish to cut through spice.
🌿 Vegan Swap: just replace ghee with coconut oil for that finishing richness.
Walking Through the Cooking Process
First, soak your masoor dal for an hour—this jump-starts the cooking and improves digestibility. Heat oil in a wide kadai, crackle cumin seeds, then sauté chopped onions until golden. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chilies until fragrant, followed by diced tomatoes. Once the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate, sprinkle in your spice powders and hing—watch the masala release its aroma.
Now, drain the lentils and add them to the pan. Pour in hot water, cover, and let the dal simmer for 30 minutes on medium flame. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finish with a sprinkle of garam masala, a dollop of ghee, and chopped coriander leaves.
💡 Pro Tip: Use hot water when adding to the masala—this prevents the dal from cooling the pan and ensures even cooking.
What Goes Along
- Steaming Basmati Rice: The go-to pairing—dal over rice is pure comfort.
- Warm Rotis or Phulkas: Tear and scoop for an all-in-one meal.
- Crispy Papad & Pickle: Add texture and tang on the side.
How to Serve
Ladle the hot Masoor Dal Curry into bowls, drizzle a bit of ghee on top, and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve immediately alongside rice or breads, with papad and pickle for added crunch and acidity.
Packing & Meal-Prep
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to regain silky consistency.
- Lunch Box: Keeps well; pack rice and dal separately to avoid sogginess, then combine just before eating.
Party & Bulk Preparation
For gatherings, double the recipe in two large pans to maintain cooking speed. Keep warm in a slow cooker on “warm” and let guests help themselves to unlimited Dal-Chawal goodness.
Give this Masoor Dal Curry a try for your next meal prep or dinner plan. It’s healthy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful. What will you serve it with—rice, roti, or both? Drop your thoughts below!
Masoor Dal Curry
Description
This Masoor Dal Curry is a simple, hearty, and healthy red lentil dish that's perfect for everyday meals. It's made with soaked masoor dal simmered gently in a base of sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes, all brought together with a mix of classic Indian spices. Light yet flavorful, this dal is ideal for lunch boxes, quick dinners, or comforting home-cooked meals. Whether you're pairing it with steamed rice or roti, this wholesome curry is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep Work
-
Soak the lentils
Wash the masoor dal and let it soak in water for about 1 hour.
-
Chop the aromatics
Finely chop the onion, garlic, ginger, green chillies, and tomatoes.
Method
-
Temper the spices
Heat oil in a wide pan until hot; add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
-
Sauté the onions
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
-
Sauté aromatics
Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chillies; cook until the onions start to turn light golden. -
Cook the tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes and cook for about a minute until they soften slightly. -
Add the spices
Sprinkle in hing, turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, amchur powder, and salt. Mix well. -
Combine lentils
Once the tomatoes break down and oil separates, stir in the soaked dal.
-
Simmer the curry
Pour in hot water, cover, and let it cook on medium for about 30 minutes until the dal is tender.
-
Season the dal
Uncover, stir in garam masala, taste and adjust salt if needed.
-
Finish & garnish
Stir in ghee and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves.
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Serve
Dish out the hot dal curry alongside steamed rice or your choice of bread.
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 280kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Potassium 550mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin C 12 mg
- Iron 3.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.