This easy red lentil dahl is a staple in vegan cuisine. It combines dried red lentils and optional coconut milk to create a creamy, flavourful dish. It's perfect for meal prep for weeknight dinners. It offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that's also incredibly easy to cook. The addition of spices like curry powder and red pepper flakes elevates the taste. It's one of the easiest and best dahl recipes you'll find.
If you're looking to make lentil dal (dahl), this Indian recipe is a must-try. The rich flavours of red lentil dahl are enhanced by coconut milk or cream and a blend of spices. It creates a dish that's both hearty and comforting. Make this recipe once and you'll be sure to add it to your curry recipe rotation.
Indian Red Lentil Dahl
A traditional Indian red lentil dahl is a great recipe. Especially for those who love the deep, aromatic flavours of curry. You can enjoy it with or without coconut milk or cream. By using light coconut milk and a variety of spices, you can create a lentil dahl that's rich and satisfying.
It will also keep the fat content down and make the meal lighter. This dahl recipe is perfect for batch cooking. It allows you to make a large pot that can be enjoyed over several meals or frozen for later.
Why Lentils?
Lentils are an amazing legume that are both tasty and good for you. Today, we'll learn how to turn lentils into a delicious dahl using a slow cooker. Dahl is a comforting dish with a consistency similar to mashed potatoes. It's perfect for a healthy dinner that’s easy to prepare.
Lentils are easy to make healthy meals from. They are part of the legume family and are a great source of protein and fibre. They are also rich in essential nutrients like iron and folate. Lentils are perfect for vegan slow cooker recipes because they absorb flavours well and become wonderfully tender when cooked slowly. Plus, they make hearty soups and meals that are both satisfying and nutritious.
Recipe Ingredients for Easy Vegan Red Lentil Dahl
To make this vegan lentil slow cooker recipe, you'll need:
2 cups red lentils (dry lentils, you can also use brown lentils or green lentils)
4 cups water or cups vegetable broth
1-2 teaspoons powdered vegetable stock
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
1 teaspoon onion flakes (or 1 small yellow onion, diced)
1 teaspoon ginger powder (or 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 can fire-roasted tomatoes (optional for added flavour)
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Optional
Coconut milk or coconut cream
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and prep them. This includes:
Rinsing Lentils: Wash the lentils thoroughly under cold water. Both red lentils and brown lentils work well for this recipe.
Chopping Vegetables: Dice the yellow onion, slice the medium carrots, and peel and dice the sweet potatoes if you’re using them.
Measuring Spices: Measure out the spices, including ground cumin, turmeric, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.
Using the Slow Cooker
A slow cooker is a fantastic kitchen appliance for making vegan lentil slow cooker recipes because it cooks food at a low, steady temperature. This ensures that the flavours meld together perfectly and the lentils become soft and creamy.
Cooking Steps
Add Lentils and Vegetables: Place the rinsed lentils, chopped vegetables, and all the spices into the slow cooker.
Add Liquid: Pour in the cups of vegetable broth or water. Use 4 cups of liquid for 2 cups of lentils.
Stir and Set: Give everything a good stir to mix well. Set the slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your timing needs.
Check Consistency: About an hour before the cooking time is up, check the consistency of your dahl. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer.
Serve: Once the lentils have reached a mashed potato-like consistency, your dahl is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and enjoy with bread for dipping.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This vegan lentil dahl will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Benefits of Vegan Lentil Slow Cooker Recipes
Healthy and Nutritious: Lentils are high in protein and fibre, making them a healthy addition to your meal plans.
Easy to Digest: Cooking lentils to a soft consistency makes them easier to digest, which is great for anyone who has trouble with legumes.
Convenient: Using a slow cooker saves you time and effort, making it perfect for busy people. These recipes are great for meal plans and preparing healthy dinner recipes.
Types of Lentils
There are several types of lentils are commonly used in slow cooker recipes:
Red Lentils: These cook quickly and become very soft, perfect for soups and dahls.
Brown Lentils: These hold their shape better and are great for hearty soups and stews.
Green Lentils: These have a slightly peppery flavour and stay firm when cooked, making them ideal for salads and side dishes.
Summary: How to Make Delicious Vegan Lentil Slow Cooker Recipes
This vegan lentil dahl is an easy, healthy, and delicious recipe that you can make in your slow cooker. By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal.
Whether you’re new to vegan slow cooker recipes or a seasoned pro, this lentil dahl is sure to become one of your favourite recipes. Don't forget to try different types of lentils and experiment with your favourite toppings to make the dish your own.
I hope you will enjoy this vegan lentil slow cooker recipe. If you want more please let me know.
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