20 dahl recipes

Mung dahl with turmeric, garlic, ginger, and a tadka of cumin seeds in ghee. A classic Indian lentil dish that simmers into a creamy, warming bowl of comfort.

North Indian dahl palak: yellow split peas simmered with spinach, then finished with a sizzled tarka of butter, ginger, garlic, and garam masala. Vegetarian, gluten-free, weeknight-friendly.

Indian toor daal pureed smooth, then finished with a tempered tadka of cumin seeds and asafetida in hot oil. Comforting, vegan, and everyday home cooking at its most honest.

Chana dhal vada, crispy South Asian lentil fritters made from coarsely ground split chickpeas spiced with chili, curry leaves, and chat masala, then deep-fried golden. A vegan tea-time snack with chutney.

Dahi vada made with urad and moong dal, deep-fried into golden fritters, soaked in water, then served in spiced yogurt. A classic Indian appetizer with creamy, tangy contrast.

String beans and coconut koora, a South Indian stir-fry with green beans, toasted chana dal, urad dal, mustard seeds, and coconut. A quick vegetable side dish with a crunchy tadka topping.

A spicy and delicious dish that calls for canned tomatoes, red chili peppers and rice flour.

South Indian sambhar made with toor dal, tamarind, coconut, and a ground spice paste of channa dal, dhania seeds, and dried red chiles. A tangy, protein-rich lentil stew for rice or dosa.

Layered red lentil and spinach casserole topped with sliced tomatoes and baked under nonfat yogurt. A high-protein vegetarian main dish with just five ingredients.

Chana dal with turmeric, mustard seeds, green chilies, and a tarka of fried onion and garlic. A traditional Indian split chickpea dish that's vegan, protein-rich, and deeply spiced.

Homemade sambar powder (sambar podi) with toasted channa dal, coriander seeds, red chilies, fenugreek, and asafetida. An essential South Indian spice blend.

Katirikkai thogyal is a smoky South Indian eggplant chutney made with roasted eggplant, urad dal, dried red chilies, tamarind, and a pinch of hing. Coarsely blended and served alongside rice and ghee.

Vellirikkai thogayal is a South Indian cucumber chutney with mustard seeds, urad dal, methi, dried red chilies, and sesame oil. A tangy, crunchy condiment for rice.

South Indian upma made with cream of wheat, mustard seeds, urad dal, cashews, green peas, and green chilies. A savory, spiced breakfast or snack that comes together quickly.

Ful medames is a traditional Egyptian stewed fava bean dish simmered with red lentils, cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil. Hearty, vegan, and high in protein.

Gujarati dal: a Western Indian lentil stew with eggplant, zucchini, and tomato, tempered with mustard seed, cumin, and asafetida in ghee. Vegetarian, warmly spiced, served over rice.