www.marissa.co Melina’s Dal Recipe

Melina’s Dal recipe

A quick and simple 20-minute dal to make during the week or to accompany an Indian feast. My sister Melina shared the recipe with me. Melina makes Melissa Hemsley’s Red Lentil Dal with Coconut Milk and Kale. I have adapted the recipe, and we enjoy the dal without the kale. 

Melina's Dal recipe
 
Preparation time
Cooking time
Total time
 
A quick and simple 20-minute dal to make during the week or to accompany an Indian feast.
Marissa:
Recipe type: Mains
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3 teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
  • fresh red chillis sliced or dried flaked red chillis to taste
  • 450ml boiling water
  • 1 vegetable stock cute
  • 1 tin (400ml) coconut milk
  • 2 cups red lentils, rinsed
  • a handful of coriander stems, chopped
  • a handful of coriander leaves chopped for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional
  • 2 cups kale leaves only (remove the stems) finely chopped
  • To serve
  • a handful of coriander leaves chopped for garnish
  • lemon wedges for serving
Method
  1. n a large pot with a lid, add the oil and soften the onions until they are translucent.
  2. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, fennel, and turmeric and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  3. Add the water, stock cube, coconut milk, red lentils, coriander stems, and red chillies to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stirring often so that the dal does not catch and burn.
  4. To serve, adjust the seasoning, add lemon wedges, and add extra chillies if desired. Top with chopped coriander leaves.
Tips
Serve as a side dish or as a main course with naan bread.
Leftovers
The dah can be frozen in portions and when reheating add a little milk or water to thin.
Enjoy this wonderful recipe; you will be making it on repeat.

Marissa.co logo