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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Vegan Red Lentil Dal (No Tomato or Coconut)

    Published: Apr 2, 2020 · Modified: Jun 21, 2022 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links · 17 Comments

    Jump to Recipe  ↓

    Our Favorite Vegan Red Lentil Dal - This is my version of the popular Indian recipe, made with red lentils and warming spices, like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric. I've worked on this particular recipe for quite some time, and our family loves it!

    Vegan red lentil dal made without tomatoes

    What is red lentil dal?

    Dal, a thick, lentil-based stew, of sorts, is a popular Indian dish (also spelled dahl or dhal). It ranks as our all-around favorite meatless meal here at the Goslin house.

    I first discovered dal on a vegan website over ten years ago now, at a time in my life when my allergies were pretty bad. Lentils were among the few foods I could eat.

    I lived with my mom at the time and would make this for us a few times a week. It's delicious served with a side of fluffy brown rice.

    The recipe has remained a favorite with me, and I now make it for my family!

    Dal without tomatoes or coconut

    While most dal recipes call for tomatoes, coconut milk, or both, I wanted a more simple, allergy-friendly version.

    Tomatoes are something we limit here, due to allergies, and I already consume SO much coconut milk.

    I love the unadulterated taste of creamy lentils, and, for my taste, this recipe can be perfected no more!

    No coconut milk red lentil dal with spinach

    Seems like something must be right, because this is one of maybe two meatless meals my husband eats that actually fills him up.

    Because he is a 200-pound plus guy, that isn't an easy task!

    I still enjoy it with warm brown rice or even quinoa, but I think our favorite accompaniment is my Homemade Spelt Flour Naan.

    Vegan red lentil dal made without tomatoes
    Print Recipe
    4.47 from 30 votes

    The Vegan Meal My Carnivorous Husband Loves!

    Creamy and flavorful red lentil dal recipe.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time25 mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: Dal
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 205kcal
    Author: Lauren Goslin

    Ingredients

    • 1 T . coconut or olive oil
    • 1 c . yellow onion , chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves , minced
    • 1 T . fresh ginger , grated or minced
    • 1 ½ c . red lentils , rinsed well
    • 1 t . cumin
    • 1 t . coriander
    • ½ t . turmeric
    • ¼ t . cardamom
    • ⅛ t . cinnamon
    • ⅛ t . cayenne , or to taste
    • 1-1 ½ t . sea salt , added at the end of cooking
    • 2-3 c . water
    • 1 (packed) c. dark leafy greens, such as spinach or chard

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a medium saucepan.
    • Add in onion and saute 3-5 minutes.
    • Add in garlic and ginger and cook ~30 seconds.
    • Add in remaining spices (cumin-cayenne) and cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Stir in lentils and enough water to cover the lentils by about 1/2 inch.
    • Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes.
    • Stir the pot often, as this helps the lentils to break down.
    • Add in more water if needed as the cooking process continues.
    • Dal is ready when the lentils are creamy and almost pureed.
    • Stir in dark greens and salt (to taste) and let mixture heat through until the greens wilt.
    • Serve with brown rice or naan on the side.

    Notes

    Nutrition info based on using olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, and spinach. WW SmartPoints: 5

    Nutrition

    Sugar: 1.9g | Calories: 205kcal | Fat: 3.1g | Protein: 13g | Carbohydrates: 32.2g

    Notes:

    I usually use split red lentils for this recipe, but the whole red lentils work as well.

    Some of the items I use in this recipe include:


    Tomato-free red lentil dal recipe with turmeric

     

     

     

     

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    Filed Under: Entrees, Favorites

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      March 24, 2023 at 4:18 am

      Cayenne is a chilli pepper and therefore belongs to the nightshade family (as all the chili powders and paprika spices. To add heat without nightshades, you could use wasabi or horseradish.

      Reply
    2. Nina Leonard

      October 12, 2022 at 12:10 pm

      this is an excellent tasting dish. I added frozen spinach at the end, for greens.It is so good that I am cooking this again in a double batch because it freezes so well. I want to know how much is in your serving size for this recipe- one cup?

      Reply
    3. Tara

      June 14, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      For how long can you store this in the fridge?

      Reply
    4. Mardhy

      February 09, 2021 at 11:58 pm

      Are the spices in whole form or the powdered version?

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 10, 2021 at 6:01 pm

        They are powdered.

        Reply
    5. Debbie Clendon

      October 30, 2019 at 8:35 am

      Tastes amazing.

      Reply
    6. Richard R.

      May 21, 2017 at 1:46 pm

      Amazing!

      Reply
    7. swathi

      February 29, 2016 at 10:08 am

      I make dal every other day love your version dal with red lentils, I use toor dal and mix of red lentils with toor dal, Really filling comforting dish, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop. pinning and tweeting.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        March 01, 2016 at 8:15 am

        Thank you, that means quite a bit coming from someone who makes it so often! Thanks for visiting!

        Reply
    8. Bethany

      February 26, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Looks so flavorful and hearty!

      Reply
    9. Ruth

      February 22, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      I enjoy reading your blog and trying the recipes. Due to budget and health, I try to eat at home and use fresh, whole ingredients. Lentils have and always will be a go to food. This recipe sounds fantastic.
      As a side note, I am allergic to tree nuts (for me, this includes coconut) and a variety of other things, however I love your low sugar recipes and easily swap out ingredients to make it safe. Thanks for all the great food ideas!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 23, 2016 at 8:21 am

        That's great Ruth, I'm so happy you're enjoying the blog! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Monique

      February 22, 2016 at 9:43 am

      The Dal looks delicious and fast. I love Indian food and the healthy spices that are so good for you. You did a great job on your food photography. Look forward to making this delicious dish. Always look forward to your weekly postings:)

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 23, 2016 at 8:21 am

        Thank you Monique! 🙂

        Reply
    11. jen@jengrant.com

      February 22, 2016 at 7:01 am

      This looks delicious and simple! I will definitely make this! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        February 22, 2016 at 9:33 am

        Thanks Jen!

        Reply
    12. Strength and Sunshine

      February 22, 2016 at 6:04 am

      Well no one can turn down Dal or red lentils! My favorite variety!

      Reply

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    Hi there, I'm Lauren Goslin, and I've been a food blogger for over ten years. My goal with this blog is to show you healthy, lower sugar recipes that my family and I enjoy.

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