If you’re cooking from your store cupboard and have lentils at your disposal, there are few better ways to make them sing than with a hearty dal. Substantial and soothing, it’s a dish that lends itself to speedy midweek suppers as well as to batch cooking and freezing. Here are seven of our favourite recipes.
Gujarati Dal with Peanuts and Star Anise
Meera Sosha’s Gujarati dal is layered with the aromatic flavours of star anise, cumin and clove, and topped with peanuts for added crunch.
From the book
Fresh India: 130 Quick, Easy and Delicious Recipes for Every Day
The go-to guide for vegetarian Indian cooking
130 stunning recipes with a fresh and light feel
Beautiful puddings with Indian-inspired flavours
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Masoor Dal
A classic recipe from Madhur Jaffrey that results in the creamiest, most fragrant masoor dal.
Melissa Hemsley’s Parsnip Dahl Topped with Roasted Parsnips and Pink Pickled Onions
With the sweetness of parsnip and the fresh tang of pickled onions, Melissa Hemsley’s dal is full of vibrancy. Just what you need to brighten up a dull day.
Spinach, Squash and Sweet Potato Dhal with Cauliflower and Spinach Pakora
Elly Pear’s base recipe of squash and sweet potato dal is given added crunch with a side of cauliflower and spinach pakoras.
Black Dal
Georgie’s creamy black dal is comfort food defined. Cooked low and slow, it’s the perfect recipe for when you have a little more time to spend in the kitchen.
Aubergine Dal with Crispy Cauliflower, Green Chutney, Dosa and a Crunchy Salad
This recipe centres around a delicious dal sweetened with dried apricots. We love the array of accompaniments you can serve alongside it, from a zingy green chutney to a whole-roasted cauliflower.
Dahl with Roasted Tomatoes
This bright dahl served with sweet roasted tomatoes will bring a ray of sunshine to your kitchen table.
