India · Soups
Dal — Spiced Indian Lentil Soup
A warming Indian red lentil soup tempered with cumin, turmeric, coriander, and ginger — finished with a sizzling spiced ghee pour.
Ingredients
- red lentils150 g
- water800 ml
- tomato1
- onion1
- garlic cloves2
- fresh ginger1 tsp
- turmeric1 tsp
- ground coriander1 tsp
- cumin seeds1 tsp
- ground chili0.25 tsp
- vegetable oil or ghee1 tbsp
- salt to taste
- fresh cilantro for serving
- lemon or lime wedges for serving
Method
- 1Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear. Cook in a pot with turmeric and water for 15-20 minutes until soft. Season with salt toward the end.
- 2In a small skillet, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin seeds and fry until they start to pop. Add onion, garlic, and ginger — cook until golden and soft. Add coriander, chili, and tomato. Cook until fragrant and the tomato breaks down.
- 3Pour the spiced mixture into the lentils and stir to combine. Add water for desired consistency. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- 4Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve with a lime wedge and warm chapati or rice.