Today’s recipe is a delicious and easy high protein lentil dish called masoor dal. This Indian meal idea is packed with flavor and will satisfy all your comfort food cravings during the cozy season. Whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’re going to love this spiced red lentil recipe. Give it a try and let the Nard Dog Cooks know what you think! If you need the full recipe instructions, you can find them in the timestamps of the video. And don’t forget to check out the Nard Dog’s social media pages for more tasty recipes and cooking inspiration. Thanks for watching and enjoy your flavorful lentil dish!

If you have the extra time, it’s recommended to soak your lentils before using them in this recipe. Soaking helps activate enzymes that break down acids in the lentils, making them easier to digest and increasing their mineral absorption rate. However, if you’re short on time, you can simply rinse the lentils and add them directly to the recipe. Keep in mind that different lentil varieties cook at different rates, so make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly. To start the cooking process, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger to bring out their flavors. Add your spices and dry ingredients, being careful not to burn them. If you find the spices cooking too quickly, lower the heat and add a bit of water or oil. Once your lentils are cooked to your desired consistency, serve the dish and enjoy its saucy and creamy texture. Don’t forget to visit Make It Dairy Free for the full recipe or click on the link in the description. Happy cooking!

Ingredients

• Red lentils
• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Canned tomatoes
• Coconut milk
• Spices

Soaking lentils

To prepare the lentils, start by washing them thoroughly. This step helps remove any impurities and dirt. After washing, soak the lentils in water for 2-4 hours. This soaking process helps improve the texture and cooking time of the lentils. Once the soaking time is complete, drain and rinse the lentils before adding them to your recipe.

Soaking lentils also has several benefits. Firstly, it increases the mineral absorption rate of the lentils. This means that your body can absorb more essential minerals from the lentils when they are soaked. Secondly, soaking helps activate enzymes that break down specific acids and complex starches in the lentils, making them easier to digest. If you experience digestive discomfort after consuming lentils, soaking them can help alleviate these symptoms.

While soaking the lentils is recommended, it is not necessary. If you’re short on time, you can simply rinse the lentils and add them directly to your recipe. However, keep in mind that soaking will enhance the texture and nutritional benefits of the lentils.

Cooking process

To begin the cooking process, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot. You can add a slight char to the onions for an extra flavor boost. Once the aromatics are fragrant and the onions are slightly caramelized, it’s time to add the spices. Bloom the spices by adding them to the pot and stirring them into the mixture. Blooming the spices helps release their flavors and aromas.

Be cautious when cooking the spices, as they can burn quickly. Lower the heat or add a bit of water or oil to the pot if you notice the spices are starting to burn. This will prevent the dish from having a bitter taste.

Next, add the soaked and rinsed lentils to the pot and stir them into the onion and spice mixture. This ensures that all the flavors are well incorporated. Then, add canned tomatoes to the pot. If desired, you can substitute fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for the canned tomatoes. The tomatoes add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

To achieve a creamy and saucy consistency, add coconut milk or a plant-based milk of your choice to the pot. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. If using an alternative milk, be aware that it may take slightly longer for the dish to thicken.

Texture of the lentils

The texture of the lentils can be adjusted to your taste. For a creamy and saucy consistency, cook the lentils until they partially or fully disintegrate. This will give the dish a thick and silky texture. However, if you prefer more texture and want the lentils to retain their shape, cook them for a shorter amount of time.

This recipe is designed to be very saucy and has a smooth texture. However, you can adjust the cooking time to your liking.

Recipe variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of lentils for this recipe. While red lentils are commonly used, you can substitute them with other lentil varieties such as green lentils or brown lentils. Be mindful of the cooking time as different lentils may require more or less time to cook properly.

If you prefer a different flavor profile or have dietary restrictions, you can use alternatives to coconut milk. Cashew cream or thick plant-based milk, such as soy or oat milk, can be substituted for coconut milk. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.

Serving suggestion

This high protein lentil recipe can be served as a main dish accompanied by rice or bread. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness and freshness. For a complete meal, serve the lentils with a side of vegetables or a salad.

Tips and tricks

To make the cooking process smoother, it is recommended to measure all the ingredients before starting. This ensures that you have everything prepared and ready to use.

If you notice that the spices are burning during the cooking process, lower the heat or add a small amount of water or oil to prevent them from getting too hot and tasting bitter.

The cooking time of the lentils can be adjusted to achieve the desired texture. If you prefer a thicker and creamier consistency, cook the lentils longer. If you prefer more texture, reduce the cooking time.

Don’t worry about overcooking the lentils in this recipe. The lentils will break down and become soft, creating a delicious and rich sauce.

Conclusion

Enjoy this creamy and saucy high protein lentil recipe that is packed with flavors. Feel free to experiment with different lentil types and alternative milks to create variations of this dish. Serve it with rice, bread, or vegetables, and garnish with your favorite herbs and spices. Customize the recipe to your liking and savor the deliciousness of this comforting Indian dish.