Ayurvedic red lentil dal

bowl of red dal with rice garnished with coriander and grilled courgette on the side

In India dahl is the term used for dried or split pulses. An Ayurvedic Dahl is used to find balance and this is a wonderful recipe for just that! It acts as a cleansing agent and helps shift water retention, move your blood, and cleanse your bowels. This red lentil Dahl recipe uses herbs and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, turmeric and ginger which are great for our digestive fire and to assist in the elimination of digestive toxins.

Serves 2-4

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 30 min

INGREDIENTS

1 cup red lentils

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 inch ginger, finely chopped

1 inch turmeric root, finely chopped 1 tsp turmeric

3-4 cardamom pods

1 tsp cumin powder

1/2 tsp ground coriander seeds

1/2 tsp cinnamon powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 cup veggie broth

1 can coconut milk

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp virgin coconut oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

S+P to taste


Toppings:

Coconut flakes

Coconut yogurt

Fresh parsley/ coriander

Pumpkin seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep your onion, ginger, garlic and turmeric. I like to use a paper towel on my chopping board, to save the turmeric staining it yellow.

2. In a medium pot heat the coconut oil, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently, until translucent.

3. Add garlic and spices cook for two minutes, to release the fragrance.

4. Add the lentils, and mix well in the spices. Next add the vegetable broth, bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes, until lentils are cooked.

5. Turn heat down to low and add the coconut milk and lemon juice. Check the flavour and add in S+P.

6. Add the spinach leaves, mix to incorporate, then turn off the heat.

7. To serve, pour into serving bowls, add a dollop of coconut yogurt, garnish with coconut flakes, chilli flakes, fresh parsley and fresh lemon!

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Porridge with soaked raisons & almonds