Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl Recipe

Effortlessly create a flavorful and aromatic Red Lentil Dahl in your slow cooker! This recipe simplifies the traditional stovetop method, saving you precious time without sacrificing taste. Customize the spices to your liking – from a simple garlic, ginger, curry powder, and red pepper flake blend to a more complex spice profile. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting weekend treat. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying bowl of dahl that's bursting with flavor!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 495 mins
Calories 377.1 kcal
Protein 56g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl

  • Dried Red Lentils
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Fresh Ginger
  • Frozen Spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Yellow Mustard Seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
  • Water

How to Make Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl

  1. Rinse 1 cup of red lentils under cold water.
  2. In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained), 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, to taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  3. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
  4. Cook on low for 495 minutes (8 hours and 15 minutes), or until the lentils are tender and the dahl has thickened to your desired consistency.
  5. If the dahl is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavor profile.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

10g

Fat

1g

Carbs

21g