Easy peasy, family-friendly red lentil dhal recipe

Comforting dhal is so, so easy to make and you can fancy it up with lots of different flavours, or keep it simple if your kids are into very simple things.

Serve this with rice or with flatbread (naan or roti from the supermarket is just perfect!) alongside a nice curry. Or serve it on its own with a cheeky little cucumber salad on the side – for some fresh crunch.

This recipe is very quick and the flavours are gentle and not at all spicy, in case you have picky people at your house. Please don’t be limited by that though. If you are more adventurous you can add some curry powder or fresh chilli to the pot. You could also throw in some ginger and garlic when you’re frying up the onions, if that sounds delicious to you (it does to me!)

• Makes : 6
• Prep time : 5 mins
• Cooking time : 20 mins

Easy peasy, family-friendly red lentil dhal ingredients

• 350g red lentils
• 1200 ml of hot water
• 1 stock cube
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• optional – sliced cherry tomato, yoghurt, coriander

Method

Pop the water, stock cube, spices, carrot and lentils into a large pot. Bring to the boil and then lower the heat so that the lentils are simmering. Simmer for 20 minutes or so. If any ‘scum’ appears on the surface of the lentils, scoop it off and throw it away. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small frypan and fry the onion until golden.

Check on the lentils. They will have lost their ‘flaky’ look and have morphed into a very thick soup-like texture when cooked.

Mix the onions through the dhal to finish. Serve with fresh tomatoes, coriander and yoghurt if you fancy that. You can also add other things like chilli, toasted coconut or pickle now, too! Yum!

• Makes : 6
• Prep time : 5 mins
• Cooking time : 20 mins