Hi friends, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring flavors from all corners of the globe. But there’s something about Indian cuisine that always calls me back. Maybe it’s the aromatic spices, the rich flavors, or perhaps it’s because my first attempt at cooking an Indian dish was a disaster – and a learning opportunity.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I’d had a long day at work and wanted to do something creative to relax. Of course, cooking a new recipe was the first thing I thought of! Let’s just say the result was…interesting. That night, I discovered that turmeric stains are hard to remove and that garam masala is not a substitute for chili powder!
But, every cloud has a silver lining, and that kitchen disaster lit a fire under me to keep trying Indian cuisine. Today, I want to share a recipe that is much improved from my first attempt – a Daniel Fast Red Lentil Dahl.
This Red Lentil Dahl recipe is different from a more traditional recipe because it is designed specifically for the Daniel Fast. This fast requires abstaining from certain foods, such as processed and refined products, and most animal products. Therefore, this recipe does not contain any animal products and omits ingredients like butter or ghee that are commonly used in Indian cuisine. Additionally, this recipe is a bit lighter on the spices and uses fresh ingredients like grated ginger, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro to give it flavor and texture without adding too much heat or complexity.
Red Lentil Dahl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, add the lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, and garam masala.
- Add water to the pot and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and the dahl has thickened.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Helpful Tips & Serving Suggestions
This Red Lentil Dahl is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of brown rice or whole grain flatbread (if not following the Daniel fast) for a complete meal. Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
Portion Size & Nutrition Information
This recipe serves four. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, 0.8 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein. Please note that nutritional content can vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
So there you have it, a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that meets the requirements of the Daniel Fast. Enjoy this culinary trip to India and let the unique blend of spices take your taste buds on a delightful journey!