
Dal with Rice
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.
4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 40 min · Total 55 min
Indian · Dinner · Main Course
Ingredients
Open in recipe scaler →Main
1.5 cup red lentils rinsed and drained
4 cup water
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 medium yellow onion finely diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
1 can diced tomatoes undrained
1.5 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
0.5 tsp red pepper flakes adjust
1 tsp kosher salt plus more
2 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp fresh cilantro roughly chopped
1 whole lemon cut into wedges for serving
Tadka
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
Rice
1.5 cup basmati rice rinsed until water runs clear
2.25 cup water
0.5 tsp salt
Equipment
Stovetop
Saucepan
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Pot
Fork
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups
Spatula
Pan
Ladle
Measuring Spoons
Saucepan (5 Quarts)
Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
Dipping Fork
Sieve
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- If using @[Spinach], stir it into the dal during the ~[last 2 minutes] of cooking and let it wilt completely before removing from heat.
- 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.
- 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.







