U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Red Lentils with Onion | Masoor Dal

Red Lentils with Onion | Masoor Dal

27 Ratings
27 Ratings
Recipe Image
Masoor Dal (Red Lentils with Onion)
Makes: 6 Servings
Total Cost: $$$$

Dal is a lentil-based dish commonly eaten in India as a part of a more complex meal. This version is an aromatic red lentil dish, flavored by turmeric, cumin, and chili peppers. You can use other varieties of lentils if red lentils are hard to find at your store.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried red lentils
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 5 teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 2 chili peppers
  • 1/2 onion, large chopped

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse the lentils in a strainer under running water two to three times.
  3. In a bowl, combine the washed lentils, 1 teaspoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Boil lentils in 1 1/2 cups water until they turn yellow and soft. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, and sugar to the boiled lentils and mix them well.
  5. In a separate pan, add rest of the oil and allow it to heat.
  6. Split the chili peppers in half and add to the heated oil.
  7. Add onion to the oil and stir until it starts to turn light brown.
  8. Add 2 tablespoons boiled lentils (mixed with spices) into the fried onion and stir well for 1 minute.
  9. Add the rest of the boiled lentil mix and stir.
  10. Add 1 cup of water and allow it to boil for two minutes. Serve over white rice. Add parsley garnish if desired.

Notes

This is a very common food item in Bengali as well as in Pakistani and Indian communities. Generally, lunch or dinner is started with this item followed by two to three main courses. On special occasions, or when preparing this for someone special, one may garnish it with coconut flakes or cilantro leaves.

Learn more about:

Source:

North Dakota Food and Culture: A Taste of World Cuisine
North Dakota State University Extension Service

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (139g)
Nutrients Amount
Total Calories 102
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 198 mg
Carbohydrates 11 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Total Sugars 2 g
Added Sugars included 1 g
Protein 4 g
Vitamin D 0 mcg
Calcium 15 mg
Iron 2 mg
Potassium 203 mg

N/A will display when nutrient data is unavailable

Please note: nutrient values are subject to change as data is updated

Nutrients Amount
Total Calories 102
Total Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Linoleic Acid 2 g
α-Linolenic Acid 0.3 g
Omega 3 - EPA 0 mg
Omega 3 - DHA 0 mg
Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbohydrates 11 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Total Sugars 2 g
Added Sugars included 1 g
Protein 4 g
Minerals
Calcium 15 mg
Potassium 203 mg
Sodium 198 mg
Copper 132 mcg
Iron 2 mg
Magnesium 20 mg
Phosphorus 87 mg
Selenium 1 mcg
Zinc 1 mg
Vitamins
Vitamin A 3 mcg RAE
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
Vitamin B12 0 mg
Vitamin C 10 mg
Vitamin D 0 mcg
Vitamin E 1 mg
Vitamin K 7 mcg
Folate 84 mcg DFE
Thiamin 0.1 mg
Riboflavin 0 mg
Niacin 1 mg
Choline 16 mg

Nutrients will display if the data is available

Please note: nutrient values are subject to change as data is updated

MyPlate Food Groups

Vegetables 1/4 cups
Protein Foods 1 ounces

Write a review

Image
Shop Simple home screen on a phone

Shop Simple with MyPlate

Find savings in your area and discover new ways to prepare budget-friendly foods.

Learn more

Image
Alexa Speakers and Devices

MyPlate on Alexa

Get MyPlate nutrition tips on Amazon Alexa devices or the free Alexa app.

Learn more

Image
Start Simple app on phone and watch

Start Simple with MyPlate App

Build healthy eating habits one goal at a time! Download the Start Simple with MyPlate app today.

Learn more

Image
logo for the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

MyPlate.gov is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025