Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (2024)

Home » Vegan Recipes » Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal Recipe (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

ByKristen Wood Last updated

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Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut red lentil dahl that is made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, onion and the perfect blend of Indian spices. It makes a most delicious gluten-free, vegan dish served alongside some basmati rice or naan bread! You can make this easy dal in the Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stovetop!

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (1)

Red lentils are a staple in our household and I’m always whipping up some version of a curried dal (dahl or daal)!

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (2)

And, most of all, it must be spicy! We love our spice.

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (3)

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (4)

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (5)

You can have this scrumptious, comforting and filling dish on the table in only 40 minutes, and best of all? You only need one pot!

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It’s incredibly versatile and does well served alongside rice, quinoa, millet or any bread of choice. And dare I say that it tastes even better leftover? Yep. The flavors only continue to mature in time. You’ll love it. I promise!

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Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (8)

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This Spicy Red Lentil Dahl is:

More Vegan Indian Dishes You Might Enjoy:

Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

This Spicy Red Lentil Dahl is:

  • Super easy to make.

  • Hearty and filling.

  • Healthy and nutritious.

  • Truly creamy and comforting.

  • Filled with the perfect blend of spices for an amazing flavor profile.

  • Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free.

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (9)

Tips for making Spicy Coconut Dal:

  • For a sugar-free version, the coconut sugar can be omitted or replace with a sugar-free sweetener such as this one.

  • The coconut milk adds some great creaminess, but in a pinch, it can be replaced with any dairy or non-dairy milk of choice.

  • The tomatoes can be replaced with two freshly chopped tomatoes for similar results.

  • This recipe is strictly for red lentils. I do not recommend replacing them with any other kind of lentils.

  • Like a lot of spice? Bump the red chili flakes up to 3/4 teaspoon.

  • Not a fan of spicy? Cut down or omit the red chili flakes.

  • Store leftover dhal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

  • This dal tastes great served over rice, quinoa, millet or alongside naan bread.

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (10)

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (11)

More Vegan Indian Dishes You Might Enjoy:

Easy Baked Vegan Gluten-Free Samosas

Sweet Potato And Cauliflower Rice Coconut Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Coconut Chickpea Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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This delicious dahl dish is truly a comforting and delicious staple of ours that could not be easier to make! We hope you love it, too. Enjoy. xo.

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (13)

If you try this recipe please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, share this post, usePinterest’s“tried it” feature, or take a photo, & tag me onInstagram and I’ll share it! Thank you so much! <3

Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (14)

Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut red lentil dahl that is made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, onion and the perfect blend of Indian spices. It makes a most delicious gluten-free, vegan dish served alongside some basmati rice or naan bread! You can make this easy dal in the Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stovetop!

4.54 from 80 votes

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Course: Entrées, Instant Pot, Sides

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Kristen Wood

Ingredients

  • 2 tbs coconut oil
  • 1 white or yellow onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup red lentils dry
  • 3 cups water 2 cups for Instant Pot
  • 1 tbs shredded coconut
  • 1 tbs coconut sugar
  • 1 tbs curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 400 mL can full fat coconut milk
  • 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • to taste sea salt

Instructions

  • Stovetop Method

  • Heat coconut oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

  • Saute onion and garlic for 5 minutes or until onions are clear and beginning to brown on edges.

  • Turn heat to high and add lentils and water.

  • Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to simmer.

  • Simmer for 25-30 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed.

  • Stir in shredded coconut, coconut sugar, spices, coconut milk and tomatoes.

  • Simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes or until desired consistency is achieved.

  • Salt to taste.

  • Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

  • Enjoy!

  • Instant Pot Method

  • Turn on saute function on pressure cooker.

  • Place oil, garlic and onion into pot. Saute for 5 minutes.

  • Press ‘Cancel’.

  • Stir in lentils, 2 cups water, coconut, sugar, spices, and tomatoes (omit the coconut milk!).

  • Secure the lid and set on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 more minutes.

  • Release the pressure and remove the lid.

  • Stir in coconut milk. Salt to taste.

  • Serve as is, or if you desire a thicker, creamier dal, press saute and saute until desired consistency. Keep in mind a dal will thicken as it cools.

  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Please see the ‘Tips’ section above in the post for more information.

You might also love our Adzuki Bean Coconut Curry, collection of Cheap Vegetarian Meals or Aubergine Curry!

Also see: 35 Best Coconut Milk Recipes.

This is excellent served alongside childa!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 416mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g

Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!

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Spicy Dal Recipe (Vegan, Gluten-Free) (2024)

FAQs

What red lentils are gluten-free? ›

Hugely popular and versatile, used in soups, casseroles and curries. A source of minerals. This product is Gluten-free, is Vegan and is Organic.

What to serve with red lentil dal? ›

Dahl: The best side dishes to make a meal
  • Naan bread. We love to eat our hearty dahl for lunch or a light dinner with just Naan bread. ...
  • Roasted cauliflower. Nothing beats gently spiced and roasted cauliflower served alongside Dahl. ...
  • Make a veg stew. ...
  • Stuffed peppers. ...
  • Bombay potatoes. ...
  • Onion Bhajis.
Feb 6, 2023

How do you eat dhal? ›

In Indian households, we eat our dal with roti, rice, or dosa. With the carb component you have a complete protein and an amazing meal at that. I encourage folks that take my classes to think of dal as a side to bread and/or rice or as a soup.

Is there gluten in Lentil Flour? ›

Lentils are naturally gluten-free. They are recommended for people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.

Who should not eat red lentils? ›

If you are sensitive to fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyol (FODMAP) foods, lentils can cause discomfort, as well as bloating and gas in the colon.

Which dals are gluten-free? ›

Anything made with rice ,millets (bajra,chulai,ragi),besan and any kind of lentils(dal) are all gluten free. Dosas ,Idlis,Chillas with moong dal,Adai (mix of lentils and rice),Pesarattu (green moong dals) are all gluten free.

Is it okay to eat red lentils everyday? ›

Most people can enjoy lentils as part of their regular diet without any concern. But lentils also contain natural compounds called anti-nutrients. These substances bind with nutrients like iron and zinc, making them harder for our bodies to absorb. Soaking and cooking lentils can help reduce this effect.

What kind of rice goes with dal? ›

Cauliflower Rice (for a low-carb option)

If you're looking to serve rice with your dal but want to keep it low-carb and low-calorie, try this cauliflower rice recipe! It's a great option if you want a vegan and gluten-free meal as well.

Can I eat red lentils daily? ›

Eating lentils every day is generally not harmful and can actually be beneficial for your health. Lentils are a good source of protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great food to include in a healthy and balanced diet.

What is difference between dal and dhal? ›

In Indian cuisine, dal (also spelled daal or dhal in English; pronunciation: [d̪aːl], Hindi: दाल, Urdu: دال), paruppu (Tamil: பருப்பு), or pappu (Telugu: పప్పు) are dried, split pulses (e.g., lentils, peas, and beans) that do not require soaking before cooking.

What to pair with dal? ›

What to Serve With Dhal?
  • Classic Basmati Rice. Classic Basmati Rice is starting our list of what to serve with Dhal. ...
  • Beet & Carrot Quinoa Salad. ...
  • Spinach and Broccoli Tofu Quinoa. ...
  • Spicy Pickled Beets. ...
  • Traditional Teamed Modak. ...
  • Pilau Rice. ...
  • Mango Chutney. ...
  • Spicy Sautéed Spinach.
Mar 1, 2023

Should dal be soaked before cooking? ›

1) Soaking cuts down on cooking time

Soaking dal softens it and makes it easier to prepare. It also cuts down on the amount of water and fuel required to boil the dal. This saves time, energy, and materials.

Can you eat lentils if you are gluten-free? ›

As we mentioned, lentils are a type of legume, not grain. Because gluten is only present in three grains (wheat, barley and rye), lentils are naturally gluten free.

Which lentils are not gluten-free? ›

Yes, generally lentils are safe to eat for people who are sensitive to gluten, as lentils are naturally gluten-free. There may be some traces from cross-contamination, but if you are someone who can eat food with only traces of gluten without any problems, all types of lentils should be fine for you to eat.

Do chickpeas have gluten? ›

People living with celiac disease develop a sensitivity to gluten, which can make dietary choices difficult. Chickpeas, however, are a great option: They're naturally gluten-free.

Are organic red lentils gluten-free? ›

Organic Gluten Free Red Lentils are a good source of protein and are nutritious as well as delicious. Make them into a pilaf using fragrant basmati rice or enjoy them as a flavorful pureed side dish called dahl, as they do in India. Their earthy flavor enhances soups, too.

Are red lentils wheat? ›

Lentils are part of the legume family, which does not contain gluten. So, lentils are naturally gluten-free. But, lentils may get processed in a facility that also contains gluten-containing grains. In those cases, cross-contamination could occur.

Is red lentil penne gluten-free? ›

ev_makes_ I think these noodles are really good for being a gluten-free alternative. I boiled them for 6 minutes in heavily salted water, as opposed to the recommended 7-9.

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