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Wholesome Lentil Dal Recipe with Fluffy Cauliflower Rice

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A budget-friendly, easy, and tasty meal featuring spiced red lentil dal paired with fluffy sautéed cauliflower rice. This wholesome dish is quick to prepare and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dry red lentils (rinsed well)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (or 1/2 cup canned tomatoes)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, grated or processed into rice-sized bits
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, and chili powder. Cook spices for about 30 seconds to bloom their flavors.
  6. Add diced tomato (or canned tomatoes) and cook until the mixture thickens and the tomato breaks down, about 5 minutes.
  7. Add rinsed lentils and 2 cups water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt to taste halfway through cooking.
  8. While lentils cook, grate the cauliflower or pulse in a food processor until rice-sized.
  9. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  10. Add cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still fluffy.
  11. Squeeze a little lemon juice over cauliflower rice if desired.
  12. Taste the dal and adjust seasoning if needed. If too thick, add a splash of water to reach preferred consistency.
  13. Garnish dal with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
  14. Plate the lentil dal alongside or over the cauliflower rice. Serve warm.

Notes

Keep the lid partially on while cooking lentils to avoid too much evaporation but prevent sticking. If dal thickens too much while resting, stir in a little hot water to loosen it. Letting dal sit for 10 minutes after cooking helps flavors deepen. Dry cauliflower well before cooking to avoid sogginess. High heat on skillet helps give a toasted flavor to cauliflower rice. Add salt halfway through cooking lentils to keep them tender. For creamier dal, add a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt on top.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil dal, cauliflower rice, budget meal, easy recipe, vegan, gluten-free, healthy dinner, quick meal

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/wholesome-lentil-dal-recipe-with-fluffy-cauliflower-rice-easy-budget-meal/