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.

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

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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)

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.

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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

Which daal is gluten free? ›

Red Lentil Dahl with Roasted Pumpkin or Squash. The most AMAZING Red Lentil Dahl… A Pumpkin or Squash Dal recipe that is creamy, subtly spiced, flavoursome, easy to make and incredibly nutritious. It's naturally gluten free and vegan too.

Can celiacs eat dahl? ›

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

Is red lentil dahl good for you? ›

Not only are red lentils a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, iron, folate, and several other vitamins/minerals, but other ingredients in this Indian lentil dish further boost healthfulness. For example, turmeric has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Which dal is not gluten-free? ›

As a reminder, dal or pulses are naturally gluten-free. If you've been diagnosed with severe celiac disease, your concern is ensuring that the dal was not processed in the same facility as gluten products.

Are chickpeas OK for celiacs? ›

Yes, chickpeas are gluten-free. Chickpeas have many other names, including garbanzo beans, garbanzo, gram, Bengal gram, Egyptian pea, cici beans, chi chi beans and cece beans. The most common variety of chickpea is a beige, tan color, but they can also be black, green, or red.

What Indian dish is gluten-free? ›

Naturally Gluten-Free Main Dishes That Satisfy Every Palate

One of my favorite dishes is, of course, dosa: a delectable crepe made with fermented rice and black gram flours. The taste of dosa has been valued for ages (literally)—the first mention of this dish in Sanskrit texts occurred thousands of years ago.

Does poha have gluten? ›

Being naturally gluten-free, it caters to those seeking a healthy alternative in their diet. Premium-Quality Flattened Rice: This pack encapsulates premium-quality Poha known for its thin, flattened grains.

Can you eat red lentils everyday? ›

Eating half a cup of cooked lentils gives you lots of essential nutrients and their high fiber content makes you feel full. However, the fiber in lentils can be hard for your body to break down. Eating too many lentils can cause gas, bloating, and cramping.

Which lentils are best for dal? ›

BLACK GRAM (WHOLE) or URID / URAD. Rich and nutty, black gram or whole urid lentils make lavish dals with depth such as restaurant favourite Dal Makhani. They do need soaking overnight before cooking.

What to pair lentils with? ›

If you have a few root vegetables hanging out in your fridge, those are also great with lentils, like in this warm lentil and root vegetable salad with parsnips and carrots. Lentils are particularly nice with cheese, as in this grilled halloumi and lentil salad.

Which color lentil is healthiest? ›

Black Lentils (Beluga lentils)

Thanks to the robust flavor, these lentils pair well with meaty veggies and marinated proteins like mushrooms, tofu, and seitan. Best of all, black lentils are the most nutritious variety of lentils, boasting the highest amount of protein, plus high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.

Is chickpea or red lentil better? ›

Since lentils have more fiber, lentils win this round. Lentils contain more protein than Chickpeas. Both chickpeas and lentils are great sources of vegetable protein. However, since lentils have more of this healthy nutrient, lentils win this round.

Can I eat Dahl every day? ›

Yes, You can have dal once per day. You can have as part of lunch. Dals are rich in proteins, Essential amino acid, potassium, Iron, Fiber, and Vitamin B1. Helps to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

Is sooji gluten-free? ›

This is not an exhaustive list but only some of the most commonly consumed gluten containing food items. 1. Items made from Wheat and all its forms like daliya, sooji and maida such as: Rotis, paranthas, pooris, noodles, pasta, macaroni, daliya, couscous, sooji.

Is moong dal gluten-free? ›

Mung Beans are incredibly versatile and traditionally used in main dishes and desserts. Use them to make samosas, flavorful curries, hearty soups, dips or throw them into salads, stir fry, and more! Anthony's Split Yellow Mung Beans are Organic, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, and Vegan Friendly.

Is masoor dal gluten-free? ›

Indian Black Masoor Dal, Speciality - Gluten Free, High In Protein, No Artificial Flavour, No Genetic Engineering. We are the leading organization actively occupied in providing an extensive series of Black Masoor Dal. This product is presented in numerous of specifications.

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