Red Lentil Dal with Yogurt Raita

Red lentils and tons of vegetables simmer among spices in this quick dal brightened with lime and cilantro and served alongside a minty yogurt raita.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 458 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 5 carrots, chopped
• 5 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• ½ (8 ounce) container plain yogurt
• 1 pinch garam masala
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 ½ cups red lentils, rinsed
• 18 ounces diced tomatoes
• ½ cup grated cucumber

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a large pan over high heat and add mustard seeds; fry until they begin to pop, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium and add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in lentils, coriander, salt, turmeric, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves. Pour in water and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer until lentils are soft, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

In the meantime, mix yogurt, cucumber, mint, and garam masala together for the raita.

Step 3

Add lime juice and cilantro to the lentils. Serve with the raita.