17 Nov Simple Spicy Red Lentil Dal Recipe! (Vegan)
This is such a simple spicy red lentil dal recipe! It’s a warming bowl of healthy deliciousness that’s easy to make and so flavoursome.
Be warned: I pack a lot of spice in to this dal. I’ve eaten some pretty bland dals in the past and I refuse to make a dal that isn’t infused with the most vibrant, tastebud tantalising flavours.
Simple Spicy Red Lentil Dal Recipe (Vegan)
Serves 4
InGREDIENTS
- 400g red lentils
- 1.5l water
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (or oil of your choice)
- 2 onions, halved & finely sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 100g baby spinach
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Rinse the lentils with cold water, then drain and put in a large pan, cover with 1.5 litres of cold water. Add the turmeric. Bring to the boil and skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Turn the heat down to medium, and cook for around 20 minutes stirring occasionally.
While the lentils are cooking heat the coconut oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and add the onion. Stir until golden and beginning to brown, then add the garlic and ginger, and cook for a couple of minutes, until the garlic has softened. Add the cumin, mustard seeds, chilli and ginger and cook for a couple more minutes to toast the spices and release their flavours.
When the lentils are cooked, tip in the spicy onion mix, and stir through. To finish your dal, remove it from the heat, and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Let the spinach wilt a little, then top with the fresh coriander and serve.

Spicy Red Lentil Dal Recipe Notes:
- If the consistency of the dal starts to get too thick just add extra boiling water to the cooking lentils.
- You could serve this with coconut yoghurt, extra lemon wedges to squeeze over the top and extra dried chilli flakes for added
- This is substantial enough to eat on it’s own, or you could serve with brown rice, or a side of roasted broccoli!
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Caroline Collins
Posted at 15:16h, 20 NovemberHi, I really suffer when I eat garlic and onion. Do you think it would be worth trying this recipe leaving those 2 things out, or are they too much of an important part of the recipe? Thanks
Jen Austin
Posted at 13:55h, 21 NovemberHi Caroline
I think it would still be really tasty without the garlic and onion thanks to all the spices and ginger. You could add a few chopped tomatoes instead of the onions too. Let me know how it goes! I hope you enjoy it.