1-Pot Lentil Dal Recipe

Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated—and this 1-Pot Lentil Dal proves it. Creamy, hearty, and packed with warming spices, it’s a vegan dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep. With tender lentils simmered in coconut milk and fragrant aromatics, every spoonful is satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, it’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, flavorful, and comforting vegan meal
• Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal effort
• One-pot method for easy cooking and cleanup
• Packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome vegetables
• Perfect with rice, naan, or flatbread for a complete meal

Ingredients

• Green lentils (1 cup / 190 g, dry) – The hearty, protein-packed base
• Coconut oil or vegetable oil (1 tbsp) – Adds richness and helps bloom spices
• Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Sweet and aromatic foundation
• Carrot (1 large, finely diced) – Adds natural sweetness and texture
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Aromatic backbone of the dal
• Fresh ginger (2 tsp, grated) – Adds warmth and depth
• Red or green chili (1, seeds removed) – Optional mild heat
• Ground cumin (2 tsp) – Earthy spice essential in Indian cooking
• Curry powder (2 tsp) – Provides signature warm, savory flavor
• Ground turmeric (1 tsp) – Adds golden color and subtle earthiness
• Ground coriander (1 tsp) – Bright, citrusy undertone
• Vegetable broth (3 cups / 720 ml) – Cooks lentils and infuses flavor
• Canned coconut milk (1 cup / 240 ml) – Creamy finish
• Salt and black pepper – To taste
• Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, non-dairy yogurt, lime/lemon juice

How to Make 1-Pot Lentil Dal

Prep the Lentils and Vegetables

Sort and rinse the lentils, removing any shriveled ones. Optional: soak for 15 minutes in lukewarm water for easier digestion, then drain. Finely dice the carrot, onion, chili, garlic, and grate the ginger.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large saucepan or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add the chili, garlic, ginger, and carrot, stirring for another minute. Reduce heat slightly to avoid burning.

Bloom the Spices

For deeper flavor, optionally temper the cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and coriander in a little extra oil for 1 minute until fragrant. This intensifies the aroma and richness of the dal.

Cook the Lentils

Add the lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes until the lentils start becoming tender.

Finish with Coconut Milk

Stir in the canned coconut milk and continue simmering for 10–15 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked and the dal thickens slightly. For a creamier texture, puree ¼–⅓ of the dal with a blender or immersion blender.

Season and Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot with rice, naan, or flatbread, and garnish with parsley and optionally non-dairy yogurt. A squeeze of lime or lemon brightens the flavors beautifully.

Tips for Success

• Soaking lentils shortens cooking time and improves digestibility
• Stir frequently when adding coconut milk to prevent sticking
• Use green or brown lentils; red lentils cook faster but may become mushy
• Sweet potato is a great alternative to carrot for added sweetness
• Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or deep saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Optional blender for creamier dal

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Dal: Keep the chili seeds or add a pinch of cayenne
• Vegetable-Loaded: Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini
• Creamier Version: Blend ½ of the dal for ultra-smooth texture
• Coconut-Free Option: Use oat cream or soy cream instead of coconut milk

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed basmati rice, warm naan, or flatbread. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of non-dairy yogurt or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the dal stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.

Is this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use plant-based oil and milk for a fully vegan meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 2–3 months.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, remove or add chili to taste, and adjust curry powder as needed.

What if I want a thicker dal?
Simmer uncovered for longer, or partially puree for creamier consistency.

Final Thoughts

This 1-Pot Lentil Dal is comfort in a bowl—creamy, aromatic, and satisfying. It’s healthy, vegan, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Simple to make yet deeply comforting, it’s the ultimate bowl of wholesome goodness.

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