One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a pot of red lentil dal bubbling away on the stove, packed with aromatic spices and vibrant veggies. Join me as I take you through a recipe that’s not just delicious but also a cozy, fragrant hug in a bowl!

I enjoy making easy, delightful, and nourishing meals, such as this One Pot Vegetable Dal. Made with comforting red lentils, warm cumin seeds, and just enough garam masala, it is both protein-packed and flavorful.

Added to that are the nutrients from diced tomatoes and mixed veggies—it doesn’t get any better (or more satisfying) than this.

One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe Ingredients

• Red Lentils: High in protein and fiber, aids digestion, and keeps you full longer.
• Cumin Seeds: Adds earthy aroma, promotes digestion, and boosts immunity.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, and enhances flavor.
• Ginger: Anti-inflammatory properties, aids digestion, and adds a spicy kick.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
• Garam Masala: Warm, aromatic spice blend, enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Diced Tomatoes: Source of vitamin C and lycopene, adds sweet and tart notes.
• Mixed Vegetables: Varied nutrients and fibers, add texture and nutritional balance.

One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, and potatoes), chopped
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the vegetable oil. Add the cumin seeds and fry them until they start to sizzle and let loose their fantastic fragrance—this takes about a minute.

2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it is soft and clear.

3. Mix in the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until they give off a nice aroma.

4. Stir in the pot turmeric, ground coriander, and garam masala, adding them to the onions and combining well.

5. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices and cook for about 5 minutes until they break down slightly.

6. Add the rinsed red lentils and stir to mix them with the spices.

7. Add the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Turn the heat down to low, cover, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

8. Put the blended mix of vegetables in the pot, stirring well. Keep the pot covered and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, until everything inside is tender.

9. To taste, add salt to the dal mixture. If it seems a little too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth to reach the consistency you desire.

10. Serve piping hot, and top it with freshly chopped cilantro. Don’t forget to serve lemon wedges on the side for that all-important squeeze. Now, enjoy!

One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Can opener
7. Blender or immersion blender
8. Ladle
9. Bowl for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of lentils?A: Red lentils are the preferred type because they cook quickly and break down to create a creamy texture. Other types of lentils can be substituted in this recipe, but remember that they may take longer to reach the same level of doneness.
• Q: Is this dal spicy?A: The green chili makes the dish mild. You can change it to hot or even leave it out for a dish with no spice.
• Q: Are there any substitutions for garam masala?A: In case you lack garam masala, you can substitute it with a mixture of ground cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
• Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?Sure, this dal is good to go in the fridge for around 3 to 4 days. The flavor may even intensify, and the consistency may thicken, making it almost like a dal spread. Or, you can always serve it with rice, a not-so-easy feat to pull off in a single-serving size to sustain it through lunch and dinner for 3 to 4 days.
• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?A: Certainly, 2-3 fresh tomatoes, diced, can be utilized. You may need to alter the cooking time somewhat to guarantee that the tomatoes are completely cooked down.
• Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?A: Provided that the vegetable broth you use is certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Q: How can I add more protein to this dish?A: For a further protein boost, add tofu or chickpeas.

One Pot Vegetable Dal Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute red lentils with yellow lentils or split peas for a slightly different texture in this dish.
Cook with coconut or olive oil to take advantage of the flavor profile they offer.
Green chili: Substitute with red chili or jalapeño for a milder option.
Curry powder or a mixture of ground cumin and ground allspice can be used in place of garam masala.
Vegetables that are mixed: Zucchini and bell peppers are two substitutes for that. They are mixed in any bowl. And also, check out some other nifty ways to mix up your vegetable life.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Spices When adding the cumin seeds, ensure the oil is hot but not smoking. Allow the seeds to toast until they darken slightly and release their aroma, enhancing the depth of flavor.

2. Precise Simmering After adding the vegetable broth, monitor the heat closely. Keeping it at a gentle simmer ensures that the lentils cook evenly, absorbing all the spices and flavors without becoming mushy.

3. Chili Management Adjust the amount of green chili to suit your spice preference. Removing the seeds can reduce the heat while still imparting the chili flavor.

4. Vegetable Texture Depending on your preference, you can partially mash the mixed vegetables after cooking for a thicker consistency, or leave them whole for a chunkier texture.

5. Cilantro and Lemon Finishing Touches Add fresh cilantro and a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors, adding a fresh contrast to the warm spices.