Sunday, October 12, 2025
HomeCookingPurple Lentil Dahl

Purple Lentil Dahl [So Quick & So Easy]


Purple lentils prepare dinner shortly, with out the necessity for soaking, which makes them an excellent base for a speedy curry night time. This pink lentil dahl is creamy, frivolously spiced and completely saucy – superb for scooping up with heat chapati or naan. I really like how the lentils break down as they simmer, turning right into a velvety dish that feels comforting but healthful, all in underneath half-hour.

A bowl of lentil curry garnished with a swirl of cream, fresh coriander, and spices, with a piece of bread in the background.

Nicky’s Notes

I first created this dahl whereas testing recipes for my e-book Fast & Simple. I needed a meat-free curry that didn’t compromise on flavour, but in addition ticked the packing containers for fibre and protein. Purple lentils had been the right reply — quick-cooking, filling, and excellent at absorbing spices. The coconut milk brings in a stunning creaminess, whereas a closing squeeze of lime retains it contemporary and vibrant.

📋 Elements for Purple Lentil Dahl

***Full recipe with detailed portions within the recipe card under***

A wooden surface with labelled ingredients for a red lentil dhal, including stock, red pepper, red lentils, spices, lime, onion, garlic, butter, ginger paste, coconut milk, oil, and salt & pepper.

Abbreviated Recipe

***Full recipe with detailed steps within the recipe card under***

Sauté onion, pink pepper, garlic and spices. Stir in rinsed pink lentils, veg inventory and coconut milk. Simmer 15 minutes till creamy. End with lime juice, butter and a swirl of yoghurt. Serve with naan or rice.

Recipe Ideas

  • Don’t skip the lime juice on the finish! It lifts the entire dish and balances the creamy coconut milk superbly. That contact of acidity is what makes it sing.
  • This dahl freezes nicely. Merely cool, then freeze in parts in sealed containers. Defrost within the fridge in a single day, then reheat in a pan, or microwave till piping sizzling.

Creamy and frivolously spiced, with heat notes of garam masala and ginger, candy pops from pink pepper, and a citrusy elevate from lime. Absolute consolation in a bowl.

A bowl of lentil dal garnished with cream, coriander, and spices, served with naan bread, rice, and extra coriander on a dark surface.A bowl of lentil dal garnished with cream, coriander, and spices, served with naan bread, rice, and extra coriander on a dark surface.

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It’s in my e-book!

This pink lentil dhal recipe is featured in my e-book ‘Fast & Simple’

Is it Dahl, Daal or Dal?

You’ll see this dish spelled just a few other ways – dhal, dal, daal – however all of them basically imply the identical factor: lentils!. The phrase comes from Sanskrit and easily means “cut up pulses.” In India you’ll usually see dal, whereas within the UK and US we normally write dahl or daal. Nevertheless you spell it, it’s at all times hearty, nourishing and attractive!

🍽️ What to serve it with

I like to serve my pink lentil dahl with a swirl if pure yogurt, some contemporary corriander and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. In the event you needed to do a little bit of feast then you can serve it with:

A bowl of red lentil dhal dal garnished with cream and coriander, served with naan bread and a side of rice.A bowl of red lentil dhal dal garnished with cream and coriander, served with naan bread and a side of rice.

📺 Watch how you can make the dahl

In the event you’re a visible prepare dinner, please watch the total video tutorial on this dhal recipe — it actually helps to see the feel because it simmers and the purpose the place the lentils go creamy.

  • Warmth the oil or ghee in a medium saucepan over a medium warmth.

    1 tablespoon oil or ghee

  • Add the onions and peppers and prepare dinner for 3 minutes, till barely softened.

    1 onion, 1 pink bell pepper

  • Add the garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, chilli flakes and fenugreek and stir collectively to coat the onion and peppers within the spices. Prepare dinner for one minute.

    3 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon chilli flakes, ¼ teaspoon floor fenugreek

  • Add the lentils, inventory, coconut milk, salt and pepper.

    300 g (1 ½ cups) dried pink lentils, rinsed, 720 ml (3 cups) vegetable inventory, 200 ml (7oz) tin full-fat coconut milk, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ pepper

  • Stir and convey to the boil, then simmer for quarter-hour, stirring usually, till the lentils are mushy and tender. Add a splash of water or inventory if begins to look too dry.

  • Flip off the warmth, stir within the lime juice and butter.

    2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons salted butter

  • Swirl in a bit of pure yogurt, then serve topped with contemporary coriander and chilli flakes.

    Pure yogurt, Contemporary coriander (cilantro), Chilli flakes

Tip: This dahl freezes nicely. Merely cool, then freeze in parts in sealed containers. Defrost within the fridge in a single day, then reheat in a pan, or microwave till piping sizzling.

Energy: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 22g | Fats: 23g | Saturated Fats: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 3g | Trans Fats: 0.2g | Ldl cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 722mg | Fiber: 26g | Sugar: 6g

Diet info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.

? Incessantly Requested Questions

Are you able to freeze pink lentil dahl?

This dahl freezes nicely. Merely cool, then freeze in parts in sealed containers. Defrost within the fridge in a single day, then reheat in a pan, or microwave till piping sizzling.

🍲 Extra scrumptious lentil recipes

Among the hyperlinks on this publish could also be affiliate hyperlinks – which suggests in the event you purchase the product I get a small fee (at no additional value to you). In the event you do purchase, then thanks! That’s what helps us to maintain Kitchen Sanctuary operating. The dietary info supplied is approximate and may differ relying on a number of elements. For extra info please see our Phrases & Situations.

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