Best 2 Slow Cooker Lentil Dal Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to discover the art of creating a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish - slow cooker lentil dal. With its humble origins in the kitchens of the Indian subcontinent, this lentil-based stew has captured hearts with its medley of aromatic spices, tender lentils, and a symphony of textures. As the slow cooker gently coaxes the ingredients into a harmonious blend, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that beckons you to the table. Whether you're a seasoned cook seeking to expand your culinary repertoire or a novice seeking a fuss-free, yet satisfying meal, this exploration into the world of slow cooker lentil dal promises to inspire your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SLOW COOKER RED LENTIL DAL RECIPE

SLOW COOKER RED LENTIL DAL RECIPE image

Categories Bean

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3 cups red lentils, yellow split peas, or split mung beans (or a combination)
6 cups water
One 28 ounce diced tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 Tablespoon turmeric
3 green cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons each: cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion seeds, fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For serving:
Hot cooked brown rice
cilantro, optional
extra onion and cumin seeds, optional
fresh lemon juice, optional

Steps:

Place red lentils and yellow split peas into a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for a few minutes and swish to wash the lentils and split peas. Drain well and rinse. Place in a slow cooker and add the 6 cups water. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom pods, bay leaf, salt and black pepper. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add all of the seeds to the pan. Shake the pan while on the heat, or use a wooden spoon to stir, while toasting the seeds. When they smell fragrant, remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker. (It will probably bubble up a bit as the hot seed hit the liquid.) Stir well to combine all ingredients. Place lid on slow cooker and let cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Remove lid after cooking time and stir. Taste and if lentils are not soft, cook for another 30-60 minutes, if needed. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. To serve - Ladle the daal over brown rice and top with a squeeze of fresh lemon, cilantro, and more seeds, if desired.

SLOW COOKER LENTIL DAL

SLOW COOKER LENTIL DAL image

Categories Soup/Stew

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3 cups red lentils, yellow split peas, or split mung beans (or a combination)
6 cups water
One 28 ounce diced tomatoes
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 Tablespoon turmeric
3 green cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons each: cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion seeds, fenugreek seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For serving:
Hot cooked brown rice
cilantro, optional
extra onion and cumin seeds, optional
fresh lemon juice, optional

Steps:

Place red lentils and yellow split peas into a large bowl and cover with water. Let soak for a few minutes and swish to wash the lentils and split peas. Drain well and rinse. Place in a slow cooker and add the 6 cups water. Add the diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cardamom pods, bay leaf, salt and black pepper. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add all of the seeds to the pan. Shake the pan while on the heat, or use a wooden spoon to stir, while toasting the seeds. When they smell fragrant, remove from heat and transfer to the slow cooker. (It will probably bubble up a bit as the hot seed hit the liquid.) Stir well to combine all ingredients. Place lid on slow cooker and let cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 8-10 hours. Remove lid after cooking time and stir. Taste and if lentils are not soft, cook for another 30-60 minutes, if needed. Add more salt and pepper, if needed. To serve - Ladle the daal over brown rice and top with a squeeze of fresh lemon, cilantro, and more seeds, if desired.

Tips:

Use a variety of lentils for different textures and flavors. Some popular choices include brown lentils, green lentils, and red lentils.
Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
Soak the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time.
Use a slow cooker with a large capacity, as lentils tend to expand as they cook.
Add plenty of vegetables to the dal for extra flavor and nutrition.
Season the dal to taste with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Serve the dal with rice, naan, or roti.

Conclusion:

Lentil dal is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its simple ingredients and flavorful taste, it is sure to become a favorite in your home. Experiment with different lentils, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique lentil dal recipe. Enjoy!