Curry Lentil Soup (Indian Masoor Dal Soup)
Curry Lentil Soup is a comforting, protein-rich dish infused with Indian spices. Made with lentils, aromatic masalas, and a touch of coconut milk, this soup is nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for a wholesome meal.
- DIFFICULTY: EASY
- 30 MINS
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large tomato, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method
Cook the Lentils:
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly and soak them for 15 minutes.
- In a pressure cooker or pot, add lentils, water, turmeric, and salt. Cook until soft (about 10 minutes in a cooker or 20 minutes on a stovetop). Mash slightly and set aside.
Prepare the Curry Base:
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.
Combine & Simmer:
- Pour the cooked lentils into the pan and mix well.
- Add coconut milk (if using) and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garam masala and lemon juice.
Final Touch:
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with naan, roti, or plain rice for a hearty meal.
- Top with crispy fried onions or roasted seeds for extra texture.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water or broth.
- For a smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika.
- You can replace red lentils with yellow lentils (moong dal) for variation.
