Ingredients and Weight:
- Red lentils - 1 cup
- Yellow split peas - 1/2 cup
- Onion - 1 large, chopped (about 1 cup)
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger - 1 tablespoon, minced
- Green chili pepper - 1, seeded and chopped (optional for extra heat)
- Ground cumin - 1 tablespoon
- Ground coriander - 1 tablespoon
- Ground turmeric - 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (or more to taste)
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable broth - 4 cups
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream - for garnish (optional)
- Cilantro - for garnish (optional)
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
30-35 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Rinse the lentils and split peas in a fine-mesh sieve and drain well.
- In a large dutch oven or soup pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and chili pepper (if using) and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the lentils, split peas, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and split peas are tender.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and puree until smooth. Alternatively, you can mash the mixture with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with rice or naan bread, garnished with yogurt or sour cream and cilantro (if desired).
Nutritional Information:
(Per 1 cup serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 350 milligrams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy, flavorful, and slightly spicy
- Vegetarian and gluten-free
- Perfect for a quick and easy dinner
- A good source of protein and fiber
User Comments:
- "This dahl is delicious! It has the perfect balance of spices and heat. I love that it's vegetarian and so quick to make."
- "I made this for my family and they loved it. It's a great way to introduce Indian flavors to American palates."
- "I've tried many dahl recipes, but this one is by far the best. It's so creamy and flavorful, and the spices are just right."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just be sure to work in batches and add a little bit of vegetable broth to help it blend smoothly.
- If you want a spicier dahl, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
- This dahl can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
