---
title: "Lentils"
slug: "brown-lentils"
date: "2026-02-10"
lastUpdated: "2026-02-10"
category: "indian"
tags: ["indian", "curry"]
cookTime: 60
prepTime: 30
servings: 10
author: "jake"
description: "A neutral, lentil dish that complements any other curry or gravy. This recipe uses brown lentils (Whole Masoor Dal), as well as their hulled (red dal) and split (split red dal) forms. The whole dal retain their consistency, and the hulled and split dal thicken the gravy. Both are recommended to be used. Some substitutes for the whole dal can be done, I have used whole mung beans (Green Moong Dal) as a replacement, and any split dal can be used instead of the split red dal."
featured: false
display: true
displayPhoto: ""
---

# Lentils

A neutral, lentil dish that complements any other curry or gravy. This recipe uses brown lentils (Whole Masoor Dal), as well as their hulled (red dal) and split (split red dal) forms. The whole dal retain their consistency, and the hulled and split dal thicken the gravy. Both are recommended to be used. Some substitutes for the whole dal can be done, I have used whole mung beans (Green Moong Dal) as a replacement, and any split dal can be used instead of the split red dal.

## Photos

![Image Coming Soon](./assets/not-found.svg)
*Image Coming Soon*

## Ingredients

### Brown & Red Lentils
- 1 cup whole masoor dal (brown lentils)
- 1 cup split masoor dal (hulled and split brown lentils aka red lentils)

### Gravy
- 1 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp fennel seeds (optional)
- 3 dried red chilies or 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves/cilantro with tender stalks, leave some to garnish
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp kashmiri chili powder, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp coriander powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
- 1 tsp garam masala, adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp amchur powder
- 1 tbsp dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

## Instructions

**Lentil Preparation**
1. Add each type of **lentil** individually to a large bowl and rinse well at least 3x.
2. Add to a pot with 4 cups **water** if using both types of lentils, 3 cups if not using split lentils.
3. Bring to a rolling boil, skimming froth if it appears.
4. Reduce to medium and cook until tender, for 20-25 mins. Red lentils should break down completely and brown lentils to retain their shape.
**Gravy Instructions**
1. On a medium flame, head 2/3 tbsp **ghee/oil** in large pot.
2. When medium hot, add **cumin** and **fennel seeds** followed by **dried red chilis**. If using chili flakes save for a later step.
3. Once sizzling and the chilis turn crisp but not burnt, add **onions**. Sautee until light golden for 5-6 mins.
4. Stir in **ginger garlic** and **coriander leaves/stems**. Sautee until aromatic for 1-2 mins.
5. Stir in **turmeric**, **salt**, **red chili powder**, **coriander powder**, **cumin powder**, and **garam masala**.
6. Add **tomatoes** and deglaze by pouring 1/4 cup water.
7. Cook until tomatoes break down completely.
8. Add **cooked lentils** along with the liquid in the pot and mix well. Pour **hot water** as needed (about 1/2 cup or as needed) and bring to boil.
9. Simmer for 5 minutes until thick and traces of fats visible on top. Optionally mash lentils a bit for a creamier consistency.
10. Stir in **amchur powder** and **fenugreek leaves**.

## Notes

### Mix & Match
- Try with all types of lentils!

## References

- Reference Recipe **[HERE](https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/brown-lentils/)**
