My Go-To Masoor Dal Recipe (Red Lentil Dal)

Name: My Go-To Masoor Dal Recipe (Red Lentil Dal)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup masoor dal (red split lentils); 3 1/4 cups water (for stovetop) (1 1/2 cups for Instant Pot); 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed oil); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 small to medium yellow onion (finely chopped); 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed); 1/2 inch piece ginger (crushed); 2 small tomatoes (I use Roma or Vine) (finely chopped); 1 small green chili (such as Thai or Serrano) (chopped or sliced lengthwise (chopped for more heat, sliced for less)); 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1/4-1/2 tsp red chili powder or cayenne (or more to taste); 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1 1/8 tsp sea salt or table salt; 1 tbsp ghee or butter (omit for vegan dal); 1 tsp kasuri methi or dry fenugreek leaves (optional); 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1/4 tsp garam masala (optional)

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:30min

Here's a Masoor Dal recipe that can be prepared quickly and easily with ingredients you likely have on hand! Pair with white rice for a wholesome, comforting, yet light weeknight dinner.

Updated at: Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:07:23 GMT