🌾 Red Lentil Curry Recipe | Make Easy & Healthy Masoor Dal Curry at Home

Red Lentil Curry – also known as Masoor Dal Curry – is one of the easiest, healthiest, and most comforting dishes you can prepare in under 30 minutes. This Indian red lentil curry recipe is rich in plant-based protein, packed with aromatic spices, and absolutely perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Whether you’re looking for a vegan curry recipe, gluten-free dinner, or a high-protein vegetarian meal, this dish will become your go-to. Made with simple pantry ingredients like red lentils (masoor dal), onions, tomatoes, and warm spices, it’s flavorful yet light, making it ideal for everyday cooking.

🛒 Ingredients for Red Lentil Curry

🌾 Main Ingredients:

• Red lentils (masoor dal) – 1 cup

• Water – 3 cups (adjust for desired consistency)

• Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)

• Tomato – 1 large (finely chopped)

• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)

• Ginger – 1 inch (grated)

• Green chili – 1 (slit, optional for spice)

🥄 Spices:

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Red chili powder – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)

• Salt – to taste

🥬 For Tempering (Tadka):

• Ghee or oil – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp

• Curry leaves – 8–10 (optional)

• Fresh coriander leaves – 2 tbsp (chopped, for garnish)

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

👨‍🍳 Make Red Lentil Curry – Step-by-Step

🔹 Step 1: Rinse and Cook the Lentils

1. Wash the red lentils 2–3 times under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. In a pot or pressure cooker, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder.

3. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy (about 15–20 minutes on the stove or 3–4 whistles in a pressure cooker).

🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Add tomatoes, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes break down into a paste.

🔹 Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the cooked lentils to the masala base.

2. Stir well, adding water if needed to adjust consistency.

3. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes so the flavors blend.

4. Stir in garam masala and lemon juice for freshness.

🔹 Step 4: Tempering (Tadka) for Extra Flavor

1. Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a small pan.

2. Add mustard seeds; once they crackle, add curry leaves.

3. Pour this tempering over the lentil curry.

4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🍽️ Best Occasions to Serve Red Lentil Curry

This healthy red lentil curry is perfect for:

• 🌙 Weeknight Family Dinners – Quick, wholesome, and filling

• 🍱 Meal Prep & Lunchboxes – Stays fresh for 2–3 days in the fridge

• 🌿 Vegan & Gluten-Free Meals – Great for plant-based diets

• 🥶 Freezer-Friendly Curry – Make in batches for busy days

• 🎉 Festive Comfort Food – A simple side with rich Indian thalis

🍛 What to Serve with Red Lentil Curry

Pair it with:

• Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice

• Whole wheat roti or naan

• Quinoa for a healthier twist

• Fresh salad and papad for a complete Indian meal

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per 1 serving)

🥗 Tip: For a lighter version, use minimal oil and serve with whole grains.

🌟 Tips for the Best Red Lentil Curry

• Soak lentils for 10–15 minutes for faster cooking.

• Control spice level by adjusting chili powder and green chili.

• Make it creamy by adding coconut milk or cashew paste.

• Add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition.

• Batch cook and freeze in portions for quick meals.

❓ FAQs – Red Lentil Curry

Q. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the onion-tomato base on sauté mode, then pressure cook lentils for 5 minutes.

Q. Are red lentils and masoor dal the same?
Yes, red lentils are the split version of masoor dal.

Q. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days or freeze for up to a month.

Q. Can I skip the tempering (tadka)?
Yes, but tadka adds a rich, authentic flavor to Indian curries.

📝 Interesting Facts

This easy red lentil curry recipe is nutritious, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you crave Indian comfort food, this dish will warm your heart and keep you full for hours.

From vegan lentil curry lovers to healthy meal seekers, this recipe checks every box — quick, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. Pair it with rice, roti, or quinoa, and you’ve got a high-protein vegan dinner ready in minutes.