Discover the magic of Indian cuisine in the easiest way possible—with your slow cooker! This Creamy Coconut Lentil Dal is brimming with fragrant spices and wholesome ingredients. With gently simmered lentils, warm aromatics, and a hint of sweetness from coconut milk, it’s a comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (about 14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Before everything goes into the slow cooker, give the onion a quick sauté in a splash of oil until softened and golden. This brief step helps concentrate the onion’s flavor. Then, move the onion to your slow cooker and add the rinsed lentils, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and chili powder if you like a little heat. Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover with the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat for about 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). The lentils should become soft and creamy, absorbing the fragrant blend of spices. Once the cooking time is almost up, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste, then ladle the dal into bowls, topping it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or your favorite herbs.
This velvety lentil dal is a winner thanks to its simplicity and nourishing ingredients. It’s perfect for busy folks looking for a hearty vegan or vegetarian meal. Don’t hesitate to swap in different types of lentils (like yellow split peas) or add cubed sweet potatoes or spinach for extra nutrients. Whether served with rice, naan, or simply savored on its own, this slow cooker dal will fill your home with irresistible aromas—and fill your plate with cozy, wholesome comfort.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
