Nourishing (Family Friendly) Dhal

Dalh is the ultimate healthy comfort food. It’s budget friendly and with zero ‘heat’ in this recipe, it can be enjoyed together by the whole family.  Even young toddlers would benefit from the taste sensations Ayervedic Dhal has to offer. Make plenty because Dhal tastes even better the next day and it freezes well!

Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest holistic (“whole-body”) healing systems. It was developed thousands of years ago in India and means “The Science of Life. Ayurvedic recipes are designed not only to improve physical health but also the mind and spirit with anti-inflammatory and grounding ingredients.

3.5/5 (15 Reviews)
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Nourishing (Family Friendly) Dhal

Prep Time

15mins

Cook Time

3hours

Servings

6

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1½ cups dried red lentils
  • Spices:
    • 1 tbsp ground cumin seed
    • 1 tbsp ground coriander seed
    • 1 tbsp ground turmeric
    • 1 tsp ground cardamom
    • ½ ground fennel seeds
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger root, grated
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, chopped
  • 4 medium tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cauliflower, chopped small
  • 1 medium sweet potato, chopped small
  • ½ bunch coriander, roots and leaves chopped separately
  • 1 litre water, vegetable stock or chicken bone broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt and fresh pepper

Optional extras: 1 tsp chilli powder / flakes (for heat). Coconut cream for a thicker and creamier texture.

Instructions

  1. Rinse dried lentils in a sieve and then soak in water ideally for a couple of hours. Then drain before using. Skip this step if you don’t have time.
  2. Warm up some oil into a large pot. Add onion, garlic and ginger and stir until soft.
  3. Add dry spices and seasoning and heat until mixed and aromatic (around a minute).
  4. While that’s cooking chop the carrot and celery and add to the pot. Give it a quick mix through.
  5. Stir in drained lentils, stock, coriander stems and remaining vegetables and give it a stir. Bring to a gentle boil
  6. reduce heat on the lowest setting and cook for 2 – 4 hours. The longer the tastier
  7. If your children don’t like soft lumps of vegetables use a hand blender to smooth out the consistency like I have in the photo.
  8. To serve, sprinkle fresh coriander over the top and ladle some steaming Dahl over spinach leaves for a light meal in a bowl. Add rice or quinoa for something heartier.

Recipe Notes

Allergy Information: Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Gluten Free, Egg Free, Tree Nut Free, Soy Free. Vegetarian, Vegan.

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7 Comments

  1. Nicole on December 7, 2020 at 6:19 am

    What are the quantities for the ingredients? 🙂

    • Sharon Selby on May 25, 2021 at 3:51 pm

      Hi Nicole, the quantities are in the recipe. Let me know if I’m not seeing something. Thanks. Sharon xx

  2. Evelyn See on July 27, 2022 at 11:16 pm

    Hi Sharon, can i know how many grams needed for dried red lentils? 1.5 cups = how many grams… Australian cups versus US cups metric is bit tricky…. sorry for the trouble..

    • Sharon Selby on July 27, 2022 at 11:35 pm

      Hi Evelyn. It’s about 125g. You don’t need to be exact. Let me know how you go. Enjoy. xx

      • Evelyn See on July 28, 2022 at 3:15 pm

        Thank you so much Sharon… 🙂

  3. Anna on July 28, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    Hi Sharon, it is DELICIOUS ! thank you sooo much for sharing. That is a very generous portion too that comes our 😉 I gave a pinch of extra salt and a squeeze of lemon in the end too. thanks again :))) XX

    • Sharon Selby on July 29, 2022 at 9:59 am

      So glad you enjoyed it Anna. Thank you for the feedback and enjoy the leftovers! Sharon xx

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