Easy Lentil Curry Recipe (Stove or Instant Pot) (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to cook lentils? ›

Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt after cooking – if salt is added before, the lentils will become tough.

Red Lentils (Masoor Dal) can be used instead of Petite yellow lentils (Mung Dal). Mung Dal will take a few minutes longer to cook through. Mung Beans and Lentils can also be used interchangeably.

Lentil curry contains 264 calories per 240 g serving. This serving contains 13 g of fat, 8.8 g of protein and 29 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 7.8 g sugar and 8.2 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Lentil curry contains 3.1 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving.

Add water. Lentils tend to triple in size once cooked so I recommend about 4 cups water per 1 cup dried lentils. Cover the pot and bring water to a boil. Once it boils, reduce to a simmer and let cook for 12-15 minutes.

The process of soaking removes the gas-causing elements from the lentils. While legumes contain complex oligosaccharides, a type of complex sugar responsible for bloating and gas. Post-soaking the complex sugar is remarkably reduced thereby easing gas troubles.

Masoor Dal (Red Lentils): Red lentils are a popular choice for Dal Gosht. They cook relatively quickly and have a mild, nutty flavor. Chana Dal (Split Bengal Gram): Chana dal is another commonly used lentil in Dal Gosht. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor and provides a hearty texture to the dish.

Dal is just boiled lentils, with simple spices added after boiling. A 'curry', on the other hand, is usually heavily spiced. In a curry, the spices are added at the start, not at the end.

Dal or daal is the generic Hindi word for Lentil. But dal refers both to the uncooked dry lentil and also the cooked lentil curry. You need dal to cook dal. That is, you need lentils to cook lentil curry .

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Urad dal or black lentil is one of the most nutritious pulses known to mankind. Low in fat and calories, Urad dal helps to improve digestion. With it being a rich source of protein and vitamin B3, it makes our bones stronger and is said to boost energy levels, enhance heart health and strengthen our nervous system.

Is it better to soak or boil lentils? ›

You do have to cook them, although soaking them first can have benefits. It does things to the enzymes that make the lentils less starchy and easier to digest with less gas. If you want them cold for a salad, you'll still have to cook them, then rinse in cool water.

Lentils do not require it but can be soaked in order to reduce cooking time by about half. Before cooking, rinse lentils in cold water, pick over to remove debris or shrivelled lentils, then drain.

The best way to tell if lentils are cooked is to try to mash one with a fork. If it's easy to mash it, it's fully cooked. If it doesn't give or just breakfast, you may need to simmer if for a few extra minutes. Lentils are an economical and speedy way to add iron and heart-healthy vegan protein to your diet.

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat combine water, lentils and salt. Bring pot to a full boil, then adjust and lower heat just enough to maintain a slow, steady simmer. Cover tightly and continue cooking until the lentils are soft and tender, about 15 to 20 minutes or so.