Red Split Lentils (Masoor Dal)

Indian-inspired lentils the whole family will love and babies, too. Once the dal and rice are at the desired consistency, it's ready to eat or freeze. Make sure mixture is completely cool before freezing. I use freezer ice trays and small individual glass bowls with lids.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 38 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 3 mins
• Calories: 283 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 ½ cups water, divided
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (Optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
• 1 cup frozen peas (Optional)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (Optional)
• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion (Optional)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne powder (Optional)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon peeled, finely grated fresh ginger

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Rinse rice in several changes of water and transfer to a container. Cover with water and let soak at room temperature, 15 minutes to 1 hour. Drain.

Step 2

Combine 3 cups water with red lentils in a large pot over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, skimming any scum that collects on the surface. Stir in onion, cumin, coriander, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and turmeric. Reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.

Step 3

Stir broccoli, tomatoes, peas, and salt into the pot. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until lentils are soft, about 30 minutes more.

Step 4

Combine drained rice with remaining 1 1/2 cup water in another pot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to very low and simmer, covered with a tight-fitting lid, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Step 5

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, ginger, and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour over lentils; stir to distribute. Cook lentils until flavors combine, about 5 minutes. Serve lentils with rice.