21+ Popular Indian Lentil Recipes

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Lentils play a significant role in the Indian vegetarian diet and enjoyed in a variety of delicious dishes like dals, curries, and khichdi’s. Here, I am sharing my collection of simple, nourishing, and delicious Indian lentil recipes for you to enjoy!

Growing up in India, we had some kind of dal almost every single day. For lunch, mom used to prepare a complete thali (meal) and dal used to be one of them. The thali consists of dal (lentil), chawal (rice), sabzi, roti, salad, achar (pickle), papad, and dahi (yogurt) or lassi (buttermilk).

Indian Lentil (Dal)

Lentils are an essential part of Indian cuisine and used in a variety of dishes. They are an excellent source of protein and a staple in many vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes. Lentils are affordable and easily available in India, making them a popular choice for plant-based protein.

From breakfast to dinner and even desserts, Indian cuisine uses dal (lentils) in the preparation of a wide variety of dishes. Lentils can be used to create a dish on its own, or incorporated into snacks and desserts, or even used for tempering. You will find a huge variety of Indian dishes made with lentils.

There are numerous ways to consume dal, as it can be prepared with different spices, resulting in a unique flavor profile each time. Mostly, the everyday dal is very simple, made with basic spices and tempered with Ghee, cumin seeds, and asafoetida.

Pressure cooking is a popular method of cooking lentils (dahl) in India. Growing up in India, I have fond memories of seeing my mom use a stovetop pressure cooker every single day. She used a pressure cooker to cook some of my favorites like dal, Chana masala, rajma, and khichdi. Pressure cooking helps simplify the cooking process and makes these dishes more accessible for home cooks.

What is Lentil (Dal)

“Dal” is a term used to refer to a variety of dried lentils, peas, or beans that have been split in half. It is a staple food in India and many parts of the world.

Lentil (daal) is a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making it a popular ingredient in vegetarian and vegan diets. There are many different types of dal, each with its unique flavor, texture, and nutritional profile, including chana dal, urad dal, mung dal, and toor dal, among others.

The Health Benefits of Lentil (Dal)

Dal (lentils) is a staple food in many parts of the world, including India, Middle Eastern, and African countries. Dal is a nutritious and healthy food that provides many health benefits. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it easy to incorporate into your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of dal:

Good Source of Protein: Daal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Rich in Fiber: Dal is a good source of dietary fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Low in Fat: Most types of dal are low in fat, making them a healthy option for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Dahl is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Popular Indian Lentil Recipes

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein which is budget-friendly and a must-have in any pantry. Here, I am sharing my collection of simple, nourishing, and delicious lentil recipes for you to enjoy!

Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal

Instant Pot Spinach dal is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious Indian dish that combines tender, cooked lentils with fresh spinach leaves and aromatic spices.

Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal Recipe

Lehsuni Moong Dal [Garlicky Green Lentils]

Lehsuni Moong Dal is a hearty and delicious dish with a thick, creamy texture, without any cream, and amazing flavors. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free.

Lehsuni Moong Dal Recipe

Upma [Indian Savory Semolina Porridge]

Upma is a savory porridge made with semolina and a few basic ingredients. It is filling and nutritious and comes together in under 20 minutes.

Upma Recipe

Quinoa Idli

High in protein and fiber Quinoa Idli. Pillow-y soft savory cakes made with a combination of quinoa and lentils, and no rice added.

Quinoa Idli Recipe

Sai Bhaji (Spinach Dal)

Sai Bhaji or spinach dal, is a unique blend of green leafy vegetables, and lentils. Highly nutritious, and easy to make in a pressure cooker.

Sindhi Sai Bhaji Recipe

Nav Dhan Dal

Nav Dhan dal is a creamy, and flavorful dal made with a combination of nine different beans and lentils and aromatic Indian spices!

Nav Dhan Dal Recipe

Green Moong dal (Sabut Moong Dal)

Green moong dal (green gram curry), cooked in flavorful onion-tomato gravy using an Instant Pot (pressure cooker) in under 30 minutes.

Green Moong Dal Recipe

Cranberry Sambar

Sambar is a most popular staple food in India. Lentils based vegetable stew or soup is highly nutritious and packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals from lentils and vegetables. A complete balanced meal when served with some rice or Rava idli. Sambar is VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, NUT-FREE.

Cranberry Sambar Recipe

Dalia Khichdi [Cracked Wheat Porridge]

Dalia Khichdi, delicious, healthy dish made with cracked wheat, lentils & few aromatic Indian spices. This easy one-pot meal is packed with nutrients, and will keep you full for a long time!

Dalia Khichdi Recipe

Dal Makhani / Madras Lentils – Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker

Dal Makhani or Dal Makhni is a popular lentil recipe from Indian cuisine. Creamy, flavorful and aromatic Dal Makhani is made with black gram lentils and kidney beans, one of the classic dal recipes!!

Dal Makhani Recipe

Nav Dhan Masala Dosa [no rice dosa]

Nav Dhan Masala Dosa [no-rice dosa], is a savory crepe made with a combination of quinoa, 9 beans mix and lentils. Dosa is stuffed with hot and spicy, lip-smacking Red Chutney Aloo Masala (potato stuffing). 

Nav Dhan Masala Dosa Recipe

Udupi Sambar

Lightly spiced, sweet and tangy, aromatic Udupi sambar, made with split pigeon peas, vegetables and freshly made sambar masala which adds a ton of flavor to this dish.

Udupi Sambar Recipe

Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa

Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa is a savory crepe made with a combination of quinoa and lentils, with no rice added. Quinoa dosa is topped with a thin layer of red chutney and stuffed with masala (potato stuffing) and served with some sambar and coconut chutney 

Quinoa Mysore Masala Dosa Recipe

Dal Pakwan Chana Dal

Dal Pakwan is a classic breakfast dish from Sindhi, Indian cuisine. Chana dal is served with PAKWAN (CRISP FRIED PURI), drizzled with some TAMARIND CHUTNEY, MINT-CILANTRO CHUTNEY and some chopped onions. Sharing an authentic recipe to prepare this lip-smacking chana dal, using pantry staples. This dal is traditionally served with pakwan, but it goes well with roti, puri or even steamed white rice. 

Sindhi Dal Pakwan Recipe

Mixed Lentils Dosa

Mixed Lentils Dosa, is an Indian savory crepe made with a combination of lentils, with no rice added. This recipe is Gluten-free, Diabetic-friendly and can be made vegan. Serve this paper-thin, crisp, multi lentils dosa with some sambar and coconut chutney for a complete power-packed, healthy meal. 

Mixed Lentils Dosa Recipe

Coconut Chutney

Coconut Chutney – perfect condiment or a dip served with South Indian dishes such as Instant Rava idli, Dosa, Uttapam, Medu vada, or as a side with the meals. This coconut chutney is easy to make, and in under 10 minutes, you can make this amazing chutney. This chutney is vegan and gluten-free.

Coconut Chutney Recipe

Tiffin Sambar / Restaurant Style Sambar

Tiffin sambar is a quick and easy restaurant-style sambar, perfect accompaniment to idli, dosa, or vada.

Tiffin Sambar Recipe

Air Fryer Chakli [Murukku]

This Air fryer chakli (murukku) is delicious, and low-fat. It is healthier than the traditional deep-fried chakli. Try these low-fat chakli without compromising on its taste. Munch on these healthy bites any time of the day. This recipe is vegan and nut-free.

Air Fryer Chakli Recipe

Makhani Moong Dal / Creamy Moong Lentils – Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker

This Makhani Moong Dal / Creamy Moong Lentils is one of the popular dal/lentil recipes from Indian/Sindhi Cuisine. This lentil/dal is a very simple, healthy, and a delicious dal/lentil recipe, creamy in texture without using any cream. This dal/lentil is very light and easy to digest. 

Sindhi Makhani Moong Dal Recipe

Instant Pot Tidali Dal/ Three Lentils

Tidali Dal or Tridaali dal, is a popular lentils dish from Sindhi, Indian cuisine. This dal is creamy, flavorful made with combination of three lentils, tomatoes, ginger, and tempered with some aromatic garlic. Simple, yet scrumptious, this Tidali dal makes a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

Sindhi Tidali Dal Recipe

Sabut Masoor Dal / Whole Brown Lentil

Sabut Masoor Dal is a delicious and a healthy North Indian style lentils also known as Whole Brown Lentils. This whole masoor dal is quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Vegan / dairy-free, gluten-free.

Sabut Masoor Dal Recipe

Mixed Sprouts Curry

Highly nutritious and wholesome, mixed sprouts curry made with a combination of sprouted lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds. Enjoy with a bowl of steaming rice or roti or by itself.

Mixed Sprouts Curry Recipe

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