19 Indian Recipe For Black Lentils You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, with a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the most popular and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine is the black lentils, also known as “dal makhani” in Hindi. This creamy and flavorful dish is a staple in many Indian households and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the culinary delights of India. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Indian recipe for black lentils that will surely leave your taste buds wanting more.
Looking for a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy lentils? Look no further than this recipe for Indian spiced lentils. With a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, these lentils are bursting with flavor and make for a perfect side dish or vegetarian main course.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
Coconut milk adds a creamy and rich element to this Indian lentil curry. The combination of spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger give it a distinct Indian flavor, while the lentils provide a hearty and satisfying texture. Plus, with the addition of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, this dish is packed with nutrients.
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Creamy Indian Lentils (Dal Tadka)
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Chopped Onion, Chopped Tomatoes, Ginger
This creamy and comforting Indian lentil dish, also known as dal tadka, is a staple in Indian cuisine. The lentils are cooked until soft and then mixed with a flavorful blend of spices, including mustard seeds, cumin, and turmeric. The dish is then topped with a tadka, which is a mix of fried spices that adds a burst of flavor to each bite.
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Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Diced Yellow Onion, Carrot, Minced
Looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy lentils? This lentil curry recipe is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and flavorful curry on the table in no time. Plus, it's customizable, so you can add in your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
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Easy Indian Curry Lentil Soup with Turmeric and Cumin
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
This Indian-inspired lentil soup is the perfect dish for a chilly day. The combination of lentils, turmeric, and cumin provides a warm and comforting flavor, while the addition of vegetables like carrots and celery adds a nutritious element. This soup is also easy to make and can be made in large batches for meal prep or freezing for later.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal makhani, also known as dal nirvana, is a popular Indian dish made with lentils, kidney beans, and a variety of spices. The dish is cooked low and slow to develop a rich and creamy texture, and the addition of ghee and cream adds a decadent element. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or when you're craving something indulgent.
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Lentil Meatballs with Indian Fenugreek Sauce
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Quinoa, Fennel Seed, Kosher Salt, Granulated
These lentil meatballs are a unique and delicious way to enjoy lentils. The lentils are combined with spices, breadcrumbs, and eggs to create a hearty and flavorful meatball. They are then topped with a tangy and slightly sweet Indian fenugreek sauce, making for a perfect fusion of flavors.
Cauliflower is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be easily dressed up with spices and flavors. In this recipe, cauliflower is roasted with a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a delicious and flavorful side dish. Serve it alongside your favorite Indian-inspired lentil dish for a complete meal.
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Spicy Indian Dal
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Ginger, Cumin Seed, Turmeric, Curry
This spicy Indian dal is the perfect dish for those who love a little heat in their meals. The combination of lentils, spices, and chili peppers creates a spicy and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, with the addition of fresh herbs like cilantro, it's also a refreshing and aromatic dish.
Dosa is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and rice batter and served with a variety of fillings and chutneys. This recipe for Indian dosa is a great way to use up any leftover lentils you may have. Simply blend them with rice and water to create a batter, and then cook them on a hot griddle to create thin and crispy crepes.
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Indian-style Vegetable Curry
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Tomatoes, Brown Lentils, Spinach Leaves
This vegetable curry is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables. With a blend of Indian spices like garam masala and turmeric, this dish is bursting with flavor and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. Serve it over rice or with some naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Indian Spinach Lentil Stew
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Pigeon Peas, Mung Beans, Cloves, Cinnamon
This Indian spinach lentil stew is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold and rainy day. The lentils provide a satisfying texture, while the combination of spinach and spices adds a burst of flavor. This dish is also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy and comforting meal.
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Brinjal Curry (Indian Eggplant)
Main Ingredients: Egg, Coconut Oil, Lentil, Red Chilies, Garam Masala
Brinjal curry, also known as Indian eggplant curry, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals. The eggplant is cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, resulting in a delicious and hearty curry that can be served over rice or with naan bread.
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Yellow Gold ~ Indian Moong Dal
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Vegetable Broth, Salt, Garlic Cloves, Ginger
Moong dal, also known as yellow lentils, is a staple in Indian cuisine. It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, curries, and stews. This recipe for Indian moong dal is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious legume, with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
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Crockpot Indian Chicken and Lentils
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Boneless, Skinless Chicken
If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it meal, this crockpot Indian chicken and lentil dish is the perfect option. The combination of chicken, lentils, and Indian spices cooks low and slow in the crockpot, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal. Serve it over rice or with some naan bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Indian-Thai Fusion Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Water, Turmeric Powder, Cinnamon Stick, Onion
This Indian-Thai fusion lentil curry is a unique and delicious way to enjoy lentils. With a blend of Indian and Thai spices, this dish is bursting with flavor and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. Plus, it's a great option for those who like a little extra heat in their meals.
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Red Curry Lentils
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Onion, Butter, Red Curry Paste, Garam Masala
This recipe for red curry lentils is a great way to add some variety to your lentil dishes. The combination of lentils, red curry paste, and coconut milk creates a creamy and flavorful dish that can be served over rice or with some naan bread. Plus, it's a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal that is still packed with nutrients.
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Indian Lentil Cauliflower Soup.
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Curry
This Indian lentil cauliflower soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. The lentils provide a satisfying and nutritious element, while the cauliflower adds a creamy and delicious texture. Plus, with the addition of Indian spices, this soup is bursting with flavor and can be easily made in large batches for meal prep or freezing.
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Indian Dal Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Cayenne
Dal soup is a classic Indian dish that consists of lentils, vegetables, and spices. This recipe for Indian dal soup is a great way to enjoy this comforting dish in soup form. The lentils provide a hearty and satisfying texture, while the spices add a burst of flavor. Plus, it's a great option for a vegetarian or vegan meal.
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Indian-Spiced Parsnip & Lentil Salad
Main Ingredients: Parsnips, Cumin Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Brown Mustard
This Indian-spiced parsnip and lentil salad is a unique and delicious way to enjoy lentils. The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric adds a burst of flavor to the roasted parsnips and lentils. Topped with a tangy and sweet dressing, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light and nutritious lunch.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup black lentils (also called urad dal)
• 1/4 cup red kidney beans (rajma)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black lentils and kidney beans in cold water and soak them separately overnight. This will help to reduce the cooking time and make the lentils and beans more tender.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils and kidney beans with 3 cups of water. Cook on high heat for 10 minutes and then lower the heat and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook the lentils and beans in a regular pot for about 1-1.5 hours or until they are soft and fully cooked.
3. In a separate pan, heat ghee or butter and add cumin seeds. Once they start to sizzle, add the chopped onion and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Next, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
6. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder to the pan and mix well.
7. Once the lentils and beans are fully cooked, add the tomato and spice mixture to the pressure cooker and mix well.
8. Add salt to taste and let it simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat.
9. Once the lentils and beans have absorbed all the flavors, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
This Indian recipe for black lentils is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Black lentils are a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet. The combination of spices in this dish not only adds depth of flavor but also has many health benefits. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger and garlic are great for boosting the immune system. The ghee or butter used in this recipe adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, making it a decadent treat for your taste buds.
With this simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can now recreate the authentic flavors of Indian black lentils in your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and nutritious dish, and let them experience the diverse and flavorful cuisine of India. Don't forget to try out other popular Indian dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and samosas to truly immerse yourself in the delicious world of Indian cuisine. So go ahead and give this Indian recipe for black lentils a try, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave you craving for more.
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