Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentil Dal)

Name: Masoor Dal (Indian Red Lentil Dal)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Ingredients: ½ cup masoor dal (or red lentils (hulled & split)); 1.5 to 1.75 cups water (for pressure cooking dal); 2 tablespoons oil; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; ⅓ cup or 1 medium onion (– finely chopped); 2 to 3 garlic cloves ((small to medium-sized), crushed or finely chopped); 1 teaspoon or 1 inch ginger (– finely chopped); 1 to 2 or ½ to 1 teaspoon green chillies (– chopped or slit); 1 to 2 dry red chilies (– broken and seeds removed, optional); ½ cup or 1 medium-sized tomatoes (– chopped); ¼ or ½ teaspoon red chili powder (or cayenne pepper); 1 generous pinch asafoetida ((hing)); ¼ or ½ teaspoon garam masala ((homemade garam masala powder can be just ¼ teaspoon)); ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ((ground turmeric)); 1 to 1.5 cups water ( or add as required); salt (as required); 1 teaspoon dry fenugreek leaves (– crushed (kasuri methi), optional); 1 to 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (– chopped (cilantro)); ½ or 1 teaspoon lemon juice ( or according to taste); 1 tablespoon coriander leaves (– chopped for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:15min

Masoor Dal is a spiced lentil dish prepared with hulled and split red lentils simmered with onions, tomatoes, herbs and spices. The lentils cook to a soft and creamy consistency. This Indian red lentils recipe is easy, nutritious and perfect for everyday meals. Serve hot with rice, roti or paratha.

Updated at: Sun, 01 Mar 2026 08:31:20 GMT