Easy Dahl Recipe (One-Pot, Vegan & Ready in 35 Minutes)

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This easy dahl recipe is a comforting, one-pot Indian-inspired meal made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes and warming spices, ready in around 35 minutes. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and full of plant-based goodness, making it ideal for simple weeknight dinners or batch cooking.

Easy Dahl Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort One-Pot Meal

If you’re after a comforting, nourishing meal that’s big on flavour but low on effort, this easy dahl recipe is your new best friend. Made with simple pantry ingredients like red lentils, coconut milk, canned tomatoes, vegetable stock and warming spices, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. It packs a serious punch of plant-based proteins plus the added goodness of spinach.

No complicated spice blend – simply garam masala, turmeric, and chilli flakes. Don’t skip the extra teaspoon of garam masala at the end, it’s the finishing touch that bring all the flavours together.

This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free and perfect for batch cooking. Whether you’re using a Kenwood Cooking Chef XL or making it the traditional way on the stove, I have included clear instructions for both in the recipe card so you can cook it your way. The advantage of using the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL is that the integrated Induction Plate and Stir Tool make the cooking process almost hands-free as you do not need to stand over the stove. The machine heats and stirs on its own, while giving you complete control over temperature and stirring speed / frequency.

Creamy, gently spiced and finished with touch of garam masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this easy dahl is ideal for busy weeknights, weekends or whenever you need a wholesome one-pot meal.

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Watch How To Make This Easy Dahl Recipe

Prefer to see it in action? Watching the recipe come together is a great way to build confidence, especially if you’re new to cooking with lentils or using a stand mixer like the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL. The video walks you through each step and shows the ideal texture to aim for, even though this is completely down to personal preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – ready in just 35 minutes
One-pot meal – minimal washing up
Budget-friendly – lentils are affordable and filling
Healthy and nourishing – high in fibre and iron
Flexible cooking methods – make it in the Kenwood or on the stovetop
Great for meal prep – tastes even better the next day

How To Make This Easy Dahl Recipe

Ingredients

To make this easy dahl recipe you will need:

vegetable oil
onions
garlic
ginger
garam masala
turmeric powder
chilli flakes
split red lentils
can diced tomatoes
can coconut milk
vegetable stock
baby spinach
fresh lemon juice
salt

TO SERVE:

Fresh coriander
Yogurt of choice
Naan bread or rice

Step 1: Fry the Onions

At its heart, dahl is all about layering flavours. Start by softening your onions in oil. You want them translucent and slightly golden. This is where the flavour begins. If you’re using the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL, the integrated Induction Plate and Stir Tool handle this perfectly without you needing to stand over the stove.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Spices

Add the garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric and chilli flakes and cook for 1 minute.

Step 3: Cook the Lentils

Add the lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable stock to the pan and cook for around 20 minutes until the lentils are tender and the liquid has thickened. Again, if you’re using the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL, the built-in Induction Plate and Stir Tool handle this perfectly without you needing to stand over the stove.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add ½ tsp garam masala, then season to taste with lemon juice and salt.

Step 6: Serve This Easy Dahl Recipe

Serve with yoghurt and fresh coriander, plus naan or rice on the side.

Tips for the Best Easy Dahl Recipe

Rinse the lentils before cooking to remove excess starch
Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much
Taste and season at the end — a touch of garam masala and lemon juice makes a big difference

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Dahl Recipe

Can I make this easy dahl recipe in advance?

Yes, dahl is in fact perfect for meal prep. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually tastes better as the flavours have had time to develop.

Can I use green or brown lentils instead?

Yes you can, but the texture will be very different. Red lentils are “split,” meaning they dissolve into a porridge-like consistency. Green or brown lentils hold their shape, so you will end up with a chunky soup rather than a creamy dahl.

How long will this dahl keep?

In an airtight container in the fridge, this will last for up to 4 days. Just add a splash of water of vegetable stock when reheating it as it tends to thicken up.

Is this dahl spicy?

It is mild with the gentle warmth from the chilli flakes and garam masala. If you prefer it milder, simply halve the chilli flakes. If you want it spicy, increase the amount of chilli flakes.

Can I freeze dahl?

Yes, you can! Allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight and reheat gently.

I hope you enjoy this easy dahl recipe as much as I do. If you do make them, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Easy Dahl Recipe

This easy dahl from The Flexitarian is a simple one-pot, plant-based meal made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, spinach and warming spices simmered until rich and comforting. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free and ready in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or batch cooking.

DieTARY CHOICEDairy-Free Recipes, Egg-Free Recipes, Gluten-Free Recipes, High Fibre Recipes, Iron Rich Recipes, Nut-Free Recipes, Soya-Free Recipes, Vegan Recipes

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Course One-pot Meals

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 514 kcal

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