Basic Red Lentils

Basic Red Lentils

Key Takeaways

  • Red Lentils Recipe: Simple masoor dal cooks with water, spices, and optional vegetables; serve over rice, quinoa, or with steamed vegetables for a warming, versatile plant-based dish.
  • Ayurvedic Serving: Warming for vata and kapha, this masoor dal is traditionally paired with cooling herbs like cilantro, mint, or fennel to help pacify pitta dosha.
  • Ingredients list: red lentils, water, coriander, cumin, turmeric, mineral salt, black pepper, and optional seasonal vegetables—pantry-friendly components for quick, easy masoor dal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon coriander powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon mineral salt
  • ½ cup seasonal vegetables (optional)
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • Cilantro and lime to garnish

Directions:

Wash and drain lentils.

Combine water and lentils in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Add vegetables (if using) and all spices except salt, and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes on low-medium heat, and check every 5 minutes thereafter until desired tenderness as they will cook quickly.

Enjoy this simple, yet delicious, red lentil masoor dal in a bowl, over rice or quinoa, or paired with steamed vegetables.

This recipe is perfectly warming for vata and kapha, but should be paired with cooling herbs like cilantro, mint, or fennel to pacify pitta dosha.

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