Spiced Red Lentil Soup (Dal)

28/06/2026

A comforting bowl of plant-based warmth

A hearty, deeply aromatic, and protein-packed lentil soup that brings comfort to any table. Thoroughly rinsed split red lentils are simmered alongside sweet carrots, juicy tomatoes, and a fragrant base of sautéed onions, ginger, and garlic. Infused with a warm blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala, this vibrant soup is as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Serves 3-4


Ingredients

THE LENTIL BASE

  • 150g split red lentils (rinsed thoroughly until the water runs clear)
  • 1L vegetable broth (or water)
  • Optional: 1 medium carrot (chopped into 1.5cm cubes / ~100g)
  • Salt to taste

THE AROMATICS & SPICES

  • 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped / ~80g)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or freshly grated ginger and garlic)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped / ~100g)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala

GARNISH

  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Directions

PREPARATION

  • Place the split red lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs completely clear. Drain and set aside.
  • Finely chop the onion and tomatoes. If using the carrot, peel and cut it into even 1.5cm cubes.

FRYING THE BASE

  • Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  • Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and fry for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn't burn.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes along with the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes soften and break down into a fragrant, jammy paste.

SIMMERING

  • Pour in the vegetable broth (or water), then add the rinsed red lentils and the cubed carrots. Stir well to combine the spice paste with the liquid.
  • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are completely soft and broken down, and the carrots are fork-tender.
  • Season with salt to taste. If the soup is too thick, stir in a little extra water to reach your desired consistency.


Serving and storage:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh coriander leaves.

Enjoy it as a comforting soup on its own, or serve it traditionally alongside a side of warm basmati rice or fresh naan bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (it will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating).

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