158 dal recipes

Pitlai is a South Indian lentil stew with bitter gourd (karela), chickpeas, tamarind, and a ground coconut-spice paste. A tangy, complex vegetarian curry with toor dal and jaggery.

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.

Spiced red lentil veggie burgers with Cajun seasoning, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cook lentils until they break down, mix with breadcrumbs, then grill or pan-fry until crispy.

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.

Persian-style pilaf with basmati rice, red lentils and sour cherries perfumed with turmeric and cumin, finished with a buttery golden crust. A sweet-tart, aromatic side or vegetarian main with real character.

Fettuccine with red lentil sauce simmered with canned tomatoes, garlic, and a surprising pinch of cinnamon. A high-protein, plant-based pasta dinner ready in under an hour.

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.

Red lentils with spinach simmered with onion, garlic, ginger, and chili powder until the lentils break down into a thick, creamy dal. Finished with a stir of yogurt. Vegan-adaptable and high in fiber.

Red lentils, grated turnip, egg whites, and whole wheat breadcrumbs baked until golden and firm. A hearty vegetarian pie with just 5 ingredients that proves plant-based comfort food can be dead simple.

False Fish is a clever vegetarian dish of rice and red lentils pressed overnight, sliced, breaded, and pan-fried golden to mimic crispy fish steaks. Serve with parsley sauce.

Ethiopian red lentil stew (Kae Misr Wot) simmered with tomato paste and chow spice blend. A vegan, protein-rich puree traditionally served with injera bread.

Whole wheat spaghetti with red lentils, sauteed spinach, and toasted pine nuts. A protein-packed vegetarian pasta dinner with lemon brightness and a hint of nutmeg.

Lazy lentils baked low and slow with red lentils, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, and mixed herbs. A hands-off vegetarian main dish with just 8 ingredients and minimal prep.

Red lentils and carrots simmer with curry spices into a hearty soup thickened with breadcrumbs. This warming bowl takes just one pot and delivers protein-rich comfort in about an hour.

Misr allecha, an Ethiopian red lentil stew simmered with turmeric, garlic, and hot pepper into a thick, vibrant puree. A vegan, gluten-free side built for scooping with injera.