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–+ servings
Slow-Cooked Masoor Dal

The Best Slow-Cooked Masoor Dal That Warms Your Soul Every Time

Slow-Cooked Masoor Dal is a comforting dish filled with rich flavors and a warm aroma that soothes the soul.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dal Base
  • 1 cup Masoor Dal (red lentils) Rinse well to remove excess starch
  • 4 cups Water or Vegetable Broth Use broth for extra depth
  • 1 medium Onion Adds natural sweetness
  • 2 cloves Garlic Finely chopped or minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Freshly grated
For the Spice Blend
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds Toasted lightly
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Add at the end
For Finishing Touches
  • 1 medium Tomato
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Add gradually to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee or Oil Drizzle at the end

Equipment

  • heavy pot
  • Fine-Mesh Sieve

Method
 

For the Dal
  1. Rinse lentils: Place red Masoor Dal in a fine mesh sieve, rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes until water runs clear.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Warm ghee or oil in a heavy pot, add cumin seeds, then onions. Cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic & ginger: Stir in garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Toast spices: Sprinkle turmeric, coriander, and chili powder over the aromatics, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Combine lentils & liquid: Add the rinsed dal and broth or water, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer covered for about 45 minutes.
For Finishing Touches
  1. Mash for creaminess: Uncover, gently mash a few lentils against the pot wall, cook uncovered for 5 more minutes.
  2. Finish spices: Stir in garam masala and diced tomato, cook 3–4 minutes until tomato softens.
  3. Garnish & serve: Drizzle with warm ghee, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and serve with rice or flatbread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 12gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 15gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Try a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness. Rinse lentils to prevent a gritty texture and achieve a smooth finish.

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