How to make Indian-style Red Lentil Dal Soup

Dal has been a staple in the Indian household for ages. In a typical Indian household, dal is consumed almost every day with rice or roti (Indian flatbread), along with a veggie, salad, and raita (yogurt). This healthy meal is rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which can nourish the body and mind well.

Dal is rich in fiber, protein, and other micronutrients. It offers warmth and comfort, benefits your health, and does not require time and effort to make. Known for its simplicity and delicious taste, red lentil dal is one of the most popular varieties of dal. It is known as masoor dal in India. It can be prepared in no time and does not require many directions. While dal typically has a thicker texture, when made into a soup, it is lighter to digest and is considered good for digestion and those recovering from an illness.

Here's how to make Red Lentil Dal Soup


Red lentil Dal

The red lentil dal, popularly known as masoor dal, is the perfect choice for dinner or lunch; it does not require time and effort to cook and is easily accessible. It can be prepared faster than other lentils as they require time to soak and cook, but red lentils have the perfect consistency for soup; they are easy to digest, healthy to eat, and provide you satisfaction.

How to prepare red lentil soup

For this recipe, you do not require a lot of ingredients or time; preparing red lentils is very easy and needs no difficult directions.

Ingredients

1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, minced

2 green chilies, slit (optional)

1 tsp. cumin seeds

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. garam masala

1/2 tsp. red chili powder (optional)

4 cups water or vegetable broth

2 tablespoons oil or ghee

Salt to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

First, you need to wash 1 cup of lentils and keep them aside. Chop onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, and chili, and keep them aside. In a cooker, heat some oil, ghee, or butter; add cumin, red chili bay leaf, and asafoetida. Then sauté onions, garlic, and ginger tomatoes and chill till they turn golden brown; add a pinch of salt according to your taste; add turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala; and cook it for a minute; then add the washed lentils to the cooker; pour 2 to 4 cups of water into it; mix it well; and let it cook for 3 to 4 whistles. Open the lid, garnish it with cilantro and ghee, and serve it with rice or naan.


Health Benefits of Red Lentil Soup


Improves immune function: Red lentils are packed with protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and immune function and helps to maintain overall body function.

Improves digestion: Red lentils are rich in fiber; they help improve digestion, regulate bowel function, and prevent constipation.

Weight management: Masoor dal is low in calories, which is perfect for weight management. Dal is a great choice for managing your weight; you can enjoy the rich flavors of dal and not worry about increasing your weight.

Improves heart health: Red lentil dal, also known as masoor dal, is beneficial for your heart health as it contains fiber, potassium, and magnesium.

Regulates blood pressure: Red lentils have a low glycemic index; it can help to relieve your sugar level slowly and reduce the risk of a sugar spike after meals.

Indian cuisine has the power to satisfy your soul; it provides warmth, comfort, and rich flavors, which are hard to resist. Red lentils are packed with fiber, iron, and flavonoids, which help to improve your heart health and digestion. With just a few ingredients, you can make yourself a healthy and delicious soup