Easy Lentil Dhal

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Serves: 6

 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 1/2 cups lentils
  • 5-6 cups of water
  • Curry Paste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Lime juice
  • Cilantro and spring onions for garnish

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot.
  2. Add the lentils and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in the curry paste, coconut milk, water, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Season with lime juice according to your taste preference.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and spring onions.
  7. Serve and enjoy your flavorful lentil curry.

 

ALLERGIES:

SF (Shellfish-Free)

GF (Gluten-Free)

DF (Dairy-Free)

EF (Egg-Free)

NF (Nut-Free)

V (Vegetarian)

 

Here are some variations of the lentil curry recipe:

1. Spicy Lentil Curry: Add more curry paste or crushed red pepper flakes to the recipe to make it spicier. Adjust the level of spiciness according to your taste preference.

2. Vegetable Lentil Curry: Incorporate your favorite vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the curry. Simply sauté the vegetables before adding lentils and continue with the recipe as usual.

3. Coconut Lentil Curry: Enhance the coconut flavor by using coconut cream instead of coconut milk. You can also add shredded coconut to the curry for extra texture and taste.

4. Thai-inspired Lentil Curry: Use Thai curry paste instead of the regular curry paste for a unique and aromatic twist. Add Thai basil and lemongrass for a more authentic Thai flavor.

5. Indian-inspired Lentil Curry: Include traditional Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to give the curry an Indian touch. You can also add a splash of coconut cream or yogurt to achieve a creamy texture.

6. Lentil Curry with Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a protein-packed meal. Simply cook the protein separately and add it to the lentil curry when serving.

7. Lentil and Vegetable Coconut Soup: Increase the amount of coconut milk and water to make the curry brothier, turning it into a delicious lentil and vegetable coconut soup.

8. Lentil Curry with Tomato Sauce: Replace some or all of the tomato paste with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a tangier and saucier curry.

9. Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry: Add cubed sweet potatoes to the lentil curry for a natural sweetness and extra nutrients.

10. Lentil Curry with Nut Butter: Stir in a spoonful of peanut or almond butter to the curry to give it a creamy and nutty flavor.

11. Lentil and Coconut Soup: Increase the amount of coconut milk and add vegetable or chicken broth to create a creamy and comforting lentil and coconut soup. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

12. Lentil and Spinach Curry: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt and add a nutritious boost to the curry.

13. Lentil and Chickpea Curry: Combine lentils with cooked chickpeas for a heartier and more filling curry. Adjust the cooking time to ensure both lentils and chickpeas are tender.

14. Lentil Curry with Yogurt: Serve the lentil curry with a dollop of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt on top. The creamy yogurt complements the spices and adds a cooling element to the dish.

15. Lentil and Egg Curry: Hard-boil some eggs and slice them in half. Add the eggs to the lentil curry during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to soak up the flavors.

 

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