Name: The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups (300 g) dried yellow split lentils (or split moong dal); 1 Tbsp coconut oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 small (150 g) carrots, finely diced; 3-4 small (150 g) tomatoes, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp ground ginger (or 2 tsp fresh); 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp garam masala; 3 cups (750 ml) low sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup (240 ml) canned coconut milk; 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 30 reviews

If you’re searching for a wholesome, vibrant dish that’s both soul-warming and pantry-friendly, The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe is about to become your new dinner obsession. Bursting with comforting flavors, creamy coconut milk, and a rainbow of vegetables, each spoonful wraps you up like a culinary hug. This Indian-inspired dal is deliciously spiced, delightfully textured, and comes together easily on busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. Get ready to fall in love with lentils all over again with The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe as the star of your table!

The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe is all about embracing simple, nourishing staples and letting them shine. Each ingredient plays a special role: from creamy coconut milk to earthy lentils, every element creates an irresistibly rich, layered flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for extra success:

Dried yellow split lentils (or split moong dal): The backbone of this dish, they cook up creamy and soft while holding just enough texture for a satisfying bite.
Coconut oil: Adds a subtle, fragrant richness that beautifully infuses the spices and vegetables.
Medium onion, chopped: The onion forms the aromatic base, sweetening as it sautés.
Carrots, finely diced: They add gentle sweetness and color, making each spoonful more inviting.
Tomatoes, diced: A splash of fresh brightness that balances out deeper, warmer flavors.
Garlic, minced: Garlic brings bold, savory aromatics you’ll smell the second it hits the pan.
Ground ginger (or fresh): Offers zesty warmth—use fresh if you love a little zing!
Ground cumin: Deeply earthy and aromatic, cumin is a classic Indian dal spice.
Ground turmeric: Sprinkles the dish with golden color and gentle bitterness.
Ground coriander: Delivers a lovely citrus note that brightens the whole dal.
Garam masala: Adds warm, complex layers—it’s the secret to an authentic dal finish.
Low sodium vegetable broth: Creates a luscious simmering bath, adding plenty of subtle flavor.
Canned coconut milk: Brings silky, creamy decadence to balance the spice.
Fresh baby spinach: Wilts beautifully into the dal, sneaking in extra greens.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t forget these—seasoning is everything!

How to Make The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering your ingredients—it’s half the battle, and the best way to keep your kitchen stress-free. Sort through the lentils, removing any tiny pebbles or shriveled bits, then give them a good rinse under cold water. While the lentils drain, peel and finely chop your carrots and onion for an even cook, and mince or grate the garlic for max flavor release. The more uniform your veggies, the better your final dal’s texture will be!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Grab your favorite heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat up the coconut oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering and fragrant, toss in the onion, carrots, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté this trio for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies start to soften and your kitchen smells incredible. This step lays down a sweet, savory foundation that the rest of your spices and lentils will soak up.

Step 3: Toast the Spices

Time to amp up the aroma! Add the minced garlic, followed swiftly by the ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. Give everything a good stir and let it toast for one minute. It’s a quick step, but crucial: toasting spices brings out their essential oils and infuses every bite of the dish with warmth, deep color, and depth.

Step 4: Simmer the Lentils

Stir your rinsed lentils into the fragrant vegetable base, coating them well. Pour in your vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for around 15 minutes, giving everything an occasional stir. You’ll notice the lentils thickening up and tenderizing, soaking up those dreamy spices and veggies as they go. Most of the liquid should absorb, but don’t worry if it still looks a bit soupy—more richness is coming!

Step 5: Creamy Coconut Finish

Uncover your dal and stir in the coconut milk. Let it gently simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time as the dal turns creamy and luscious. This is where the flavors come together in perfect harmony: the coconut milk mellows the spices, while giving the lentils their signature, spoon-coating texture. Taste and adjust for salt and black pepper at this stage—seasoning now really brings your dal to life.

Step 6: Wilt in the Greens and Serve

For the finishing touch, add your fresh baby spinach right at the end. The heat of the dal will wilt the leaves in a minute or two, adding a pop of color and a boost of nutrition. Give everything a final stir, then serve hot and enjoy the magic of The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe!

How to Serve The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing dal, you can get as creative as you want. Sprinkle on some fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of green and a fragrant finish. A squeeze of lemon juice lifts and brightens every spoonful. If you want extra richness, a drizzle of coconut cream or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt does wonders. For a bit of heat and crunch, thinly sliced green chilies or toasted cumin seeds make lovely toppers. Don’t underestimate those final flourishes—they truly take The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe to the next level!

Side Dishes

The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe is so versatile you can pair it with just about anything. Nothing beats serving it alongside fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to scoop up every last drop of creamy goodness. For extra crunch, add a side of cucumber raita or a simple tomato onion salad. If you’re feeling fancy, pair with crispy papadums. This dal makes a comforting main, but it also plays nicely as part of a larger Indian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You don’t have to be serving guests to have fun with presentation! Ladle your dal into wide bowls and swirl in extra coconut milk for a pretty finish, then top with toasted spices or microgreens. If you love meal prepping, portion it into jars for easy lunches. Want a fun twist? Serve it as a chunky stew or as a dip for breadsticks. However you serve it, The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe always looks as cozy as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover dal is a blessing in disguise—it gets better as the flavors meld! Cool any extras quickly and transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. If the dal thickens a bit as it sits, just add a splash of water or broth when you reheat it. You’ll be amazed at how the taste deepens overnight!

Freezing

If you’re thinking in advance, The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion cooled dal into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to wait to add delicate greens like spinach until after thawing, for the freshest taste and color.

Reheating

Ready for a second helping? Reheat your dal on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of water or broth to help it return to its original creamy texture. You can also microwave it in bursts, stirring between each. If you’ve frozen it, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. Add fresh greens or an extra swirl of coconut milk to liven things up before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of yellow lentils?

Absolutely! Red lentils will result in a slightly different texture, cooking just a bit faster and breaking down more. They’re a wonderful substitute and still taste amazing with the same spice blend in The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe.

Is this dal recipe vegan and gluten free?

Yes, The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free, thanks to coconut milk and simple pantry spices. Just be sure to double-check your broth is gluten free if that’s important to you.

Can I make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Totally! Sauté the vegetables and spices right in your pressure cooker using the sauté function, then cook the lentils under high pressure for about 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and spinach after releasing the pressure for the same creamy, flavorful results.

How spicy is this dish?

The spicing in The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe is flavorful but mild, making it very family-friendly. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili powder or fresh chilies during cooking, or as a garnish.

Can I add other vegetables or greens?

Definitely! Dal is endlessly adaptable—try adding chopped bell peppers, zucchini, sweet potatoes, or swapping in kale or chard for the spinach. It’s a great dish for using up whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a nourishing, flexible recipe that never fails to comfort and impress, give The Best Yellow Lentil Dal Recipe a try. It’s easy, vibrant, and bursting with flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Grab your favorite pot, round up those lentils, and make something special tonight!