Name: Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentils)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic; 1-2 green or red chilies (, chopped (if you want to reduce the heat use green chilies and discard the seeds and membranes)); 1/2 cup onion (, finely chopped); 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida ((aka hing powder)); 1 black cardamom pod; Pinch Kashmiri chili powder (, or cayenne pepper); small pinch of cinnamon; small pinch of cloves; 1 1/2 cups red lentils (, thoroughly rinsed and drained); 2 tomatoes (, diced); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (, see Note); 1 teaspoon salt; juice of one lime; fresh chopped cilantro for serving; salt to taste

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Wonderfully fragrant and bursting with flavor, this Masoor Dal recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and will absolutely “wow” your taste buds! Easy to make and deliciously satisfying as a stand-alone meal with some fresh naan.

This is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes along with Dal Palak and Chana Masala. It is so flavorful and satisfying that even devout carnivores won’t miss the meat!

What is Masoor Dal?

Masoor Dal is a classic, traditional Indian dish made with red lentils. Lentils are an everyday staple throughout India, an especially important staple for those regions that enjoy a predominantly vegetarian diet. Lentils are nutritious and a great source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron and zinc. Lentils do not require soaking and are quick and easy to prepare.

Bursting with flavor, Masoor Dal blends a variety of aromatic and flavorful spices, including a very unique and interesting spice that you may or may not have used before: Asafoetida.

What is Asafoetida?

Asafoetida is commonly used in cooking throughout India and has a very unique aroma and flavor. It’s a fantastic spice, a little of which goes a long way in adding flavor and aroma. Asafoetida is made from the sap of an underground tap root. In addition to its culinary uses, it also has several medical applications. It has historically been used to fight the flu, aid digestion, serve as an anti-epileptic, anti-microbial, and is an important spice used in ayurvedic medicine.

Asafoetida is used for its flavor and aroma and also serves a logistical culinary purpose: It reduces flatulence! And so it is commonly used in legume and lentil dishes to help alleviate that unfortunate little side effect.

It seems history enjoys an either love or hate relationship with asafoetida. The two extremes are reflected in the various names it goes by. Besides its other common name, hing, asafoetida is also known as “food of the gods” and…”Devil’s dung”. Two polar opposites indeed! A 16th century text notes, “If used in cookery, it would ruin every dish because of its dreadful smell.” Asafoetida has also made appearances in movies and novels, including Sinclair Lewis’ 1925 classic novel, Arrowsmith, wherein the protagonist had to smell the spice as part of a fraternity initiation.

Nevertheless, despite its bad rap in some circles, it is absolutely loved and cherished in others. You’ll have to decide for yourself which camp you’re in. As for me, I love the stuff! It can be purchased in Indian grocery stores or you can buy it here on Amazon.

Note: You’ll definitely want to keep it stored in an airtight container. If you spill any in your spice cabinet, the aroma will permeate your house!

What are Red Lentils?

Red lentils can be found in a few varieties and they come split. Unlike green/brown lentils that retain their color and shape while cooking, red lentils actually turn yellow and they disintegrate, making for a thickened “creamy” textured dish. You can find them in many well-stocked grocery stores (sometimes they’re in the health food or bulk food sections) and you can also find them here on Amazon.

We love these red lentils so much that I made a thicker version of it as a dip for dunking with naan. It makes a fantastically delicious dip! Try our Indian Red Lentil Dip.

Masoor Dal Recipe

Let’s get started on this fabulous Indian red lentil soup recipe!

Note: If you’d like to use your Instant Pot be sure to check out my Instant Pot Masoor Dal!

Heat the oil in a small skillet over high heat and add the mustard and cumin seeds. Fry until the mustard seeds begin to pop, about 10 seconds. Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the chilies, garlic and ginger. Fry for another 20 seconds. Add the onion and fry until soft and a light caramelized brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add spices and cook for another minute.

Add the lentils, tomatoes, broth, and salt.

Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are done the soup is a thick consistency, stirring occasionally.

Before serving, add the lime juice, a little at a time, according to taste. Add more salt as needed. Serve sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro.

Serve your Masoor Dal with some fresh naan, rotis or chapatis. For dessert nothing beats a refreshing Mango Lassi or some Fruit Chaat!

Enjoy!

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