Indian-style lentil stew: Dhal (vegan, gluten-free, paleo)
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Lentil Dhal | Vegan, Gluten-Free

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

A recipe for a warm and satisfying Lentil Dhal (Indian-style lentil stew). With fresh vegetables, herbs and spices, it's vegan, gluten-free and paleo.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 1/2 cup green lentils
  • 1/2 cup French lentils (also called Beluga lentils)
  • 1 onion (large) minced
  • 2 carrots (large) washed, sliced
  • 1 organic sweet potato (medium size) washed, yucky parts removed, diced
  • 1 organic potato (medium size) washed, yucky parts removed, diced
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
  • extra-virgin olive oil for cooking
  • 5 cups filtered water + soaking
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse, then soak your lentils in spring or filtered water overnight, or the whole day.
  2. Cook the minced onion with a bit of olive oil (2-3 Tbsp) in a large soup pot over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, then add the sliced carrots and diced potatoes and sauté for 4-5 more minutes until they start to roast a bit.
  3. Add all of the spices (except the salt), and sauté for 30-60 seconds to develop all the flavours.
  4. Add the lentils, and water (you want to make sure you have enough water to cover everything, plus an extra 2-3 cups), increase the temperature to medium-high and bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the temperature to just above medium-low, and let simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Add the sea salt, and the black pepper (if using), mix well, wait 30 seconds, and serve.
  7. Enjoy with a bit of chopped fresh cilantro on top, a squeeze of lemon on top (really brings out the flavours), a nice naan bread or a crusty baguette, alongside a big green salad.

Note: I do not believe anyone should worry about counting calories, but here is the nutritional information for one serving
Calories: 394kcal | Fat: 8g | Saturated fat: 1g | Sodium: 648mg | Potassium: 934mg | Carbohydrates: 61g | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 5g | Protein: 20g | Vitamin A: 10355% | Vitamin C: 28.5% | Calcium: 102% | Iron: 7.9%