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When you don’t know what to cook, make this lentil, chickpea and cauliflower dahl recipe


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  • Author: James Carter
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A comforting and flavorful plant-based dahl recipe featuring lentils, chickpeas, and cauliflower, perfect for busy weeknights when you’re unsure what to make. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 200g red lentils, rinsed
  • 500ml vegetable stock
  • 200g cauliflower florets
  • 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 100ml coconut milk (full-fat or light)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat the oil or ghee in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. 2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and chopped red chili (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  3. 3. Pour in the chopped tomatoes. Stir well and let them cook for about 5 minutes.
  4. 4. Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable stock. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5. Stir in the cauliflower florets and the drained and rinsed chickpeas. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and the lentils are fully cooked.
  6. 6. Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. 7. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. 8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander and with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Store cooled dahl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months; thaw and reheat thoroughly.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approx. 350-400 per serving (depending on coconut milk and oil used)
  • Sugar: Approx. 8g
  • Sodium: Varies based on stock and added salt
  • Fat: Approx. 12g
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 50g
  • Fiber: Approx. 15g
  • Protein: Approx. 15g