Ever craved one thing hearty, spicy, and simply downright soul-satisfying? That is precisely what you will get with these Masala Lentils. This dish is not simply meals; it is a heat hug in a bowl, infused with wealthy, fragrant spices that’ll transport you straight to the bustling streets of India. Let me take you on a culinary journey with this straightforward but flavorful recipe that is positive to develop into a staple in your kitchen.

Image this: a cold night, a comfortable kitchen, and a longing for one thing that warms you from the within out. Enter the magic of Masala Lentils. One spoonful, and I used to be completely hooked! And I guess you may be as nicely.
Do not be intimidated by the array of spices – this is likely one of the easiest lentil recipes I’ve come throughout. The truth is, it is a good way to introduce your self to Indian cooking.
This wonderful lentil recipe was contributed by Richa Hingle manner again in 2015, and is a pattern recipe from her cookbook, Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen. Whereas the article has been up to date with extra useful ideas and higher images – the recipe remains to be the unique. And nonetheless scrumptious! I extremely suggest trying out that cookbook.
This Masala Lentils Recipe is:
- Hearty & Comforting.
- Full of flavorful spices.
- Simple to customise along with your favourite lentil varieties and veggies.
- Naturally vegan!

Key Elements & Substitutions
- Brown Lentils: The star of the present! However I’ve additionally made this with purple lentils and it labored nicely additionally.
- Safflower Oil: I like its impartial style, however any cooking oil will do the trick.
- Floor Spices: Cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and extra – every including its distinctive observe to this dish.
- Sriracha: For that kick! You possibly can substitute it with one other scorching sauce when you favor.
- Tomatoes: I like utilizing recent tomatoes for my lentil masala, however you may also use canned chopped tomatoes. The fireplace roasted ones have an excellent taste.
- Cilantro: You’ll want to use recent cilantro for the very best taste!

Useful Ideas & Variations
Add extra protein. Toss in some chickpeas or pan-fried tofu for an additional protein punch.
Make it creamier. A splash of coconut milk to remodel these lentils right into a creamy delight.
Add leafy greens. Stir in some spinach or kale for added diet and a good looking pop of colour.
Serving Recommendations: Serve masala lentils with fluffy basmati rice, recent rotis, or vegan naan bread.
Storing Leftovers: Retailer leftover masala lentils within the fridge for 3-4 days.

Extra Tasty Vegan Concepts
Should you love these Masala Lentils, you should definitely take a look at these different vegan recipes:
Recipe

Masala Lentils (Sabut Masoor)
A scorching sauce (chiles, garlic, and vinegar) is the key to getting the precise taste profile on this lentil dal. Serve this as part of a meal, or with rice or naan or different flatbread.
Servings: 4 servings
Energy: 204kcal
Elements
- ¾ cup brown lentils washed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 2 to three teaspoons safflower or different impartial oil
- ½ cup finely chopped purple or white onion
- 6 cloves garlic chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons floor coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon fenugreek leaves or ⅛ teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1 teaspoon candy or scorching paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons sriracha or different scorching sauce to style
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups chopped tomato
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter optionally available
Directions
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Mix the lentils with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Partially cowl and cook dinner over medium warmth till the lentils are tender, 25 to half-hour.
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Whereas the lentils are cooking, make the tempering. Warmth the oil in a skillet over medium warmth. Add the onion and cook dinner till golden brown, 5 to six minutes.
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In a blender, mix the garlic, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, fenugreek, paprika, nutmeg, black pepper, sriracha, and a pair of tablespoons of water. Mix to mix nicely.
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Add this paste to the onions within the skillet. Cook dinner till aromatic, about 2 minutes. Stir within the tomatoes and salt, and cook dinner till the tomatoes are tender, about 8 minutes. Mash the bigger tomato items.
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Add the tempering to the lentils. Carry to a boil over medium warmth. Cut back warmth and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Style and alter salt and spice. Garnish with cilantro and vegan butter, if utilizing, and serve scorching.
Diet
Energy: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 11g | Fats: 5g | Saturated Fats: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1g | Monounsaturated Fats: 3g | Trans Fats: 0.02g | Sodium: 728mg | Potassium: 599mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg









