Dal with Rice
Dinner
Indian55 min4 servingsEasyAbout this recipe
A hearty, soul-warming bowl of red lentil dal served over fluffy basmati rice. This classic Indian-inspired vegan staple is simmered with aromatic spices, tomatoes, and finished with a fragrant tadka (tempering) of cumin and garlic. Nourishing, budget-friendly, and deeply satisfying — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed basmati rice, 2¼ cups water, and ½ tsp kosher salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over ^[high heat], then reduce heat to ^[the lowest setting], cover tightly, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a saucepan over ^[medium heat]. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, coriander, and red pepper flakes. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they bloom and smell fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 4
Add the rinsed red lentils and 4 cups water. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to ^[medium-low] and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are completely soft and have broken down into a thick, creamy consistency. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt, adjusting to taste. If the dal is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- 5
If using spinach, stir it into the dal during the last 2 minutes of cooking and let it wilt completely before removing from heat.
- 6
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil over ^[medium-high heat] until shimmering. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant and popping. Add the sliced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until golden. Immediately pour the entire tadka over the finished dal and stir to combine.
- 7
Spoon a generous portion of fluffy basmati rice into each bowl and ladle the dal alongside or over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
