| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 440 | 5g | 0.5g | 65g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 15g | 25g | 1.3g |
As most of you know, being a southern belle from Charleston, South Carolina, my heart is steeped in traditional Southern cuisine. However, there are times when I stray from biscuits and fried chicken (mouthwatering as they are), and venture into the diverse world of ethnic and vegan cuisine. One such dish that has captured my taste buds is the vibrant and rich Vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal. I simply love it and I am about to share with you why this dish is so dear to me.
A Burst Of Flavours in the Vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal
This Dal is no ordinary lentil stew — it’s an aromatic journey that strikes a perfect balance between spicy, tangy, and earthy. The black cardamom seeds are what set it apart; their unique smoky flavor transports you straight to the heart of Indian culinary tradition. Paired with fresh ginger, ground turmeric, and a hint of cayenne, expect your senses to be awakened like never before. The addition of a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and brings out each flavor’s distinct profile. As I concocted this recipe, the fragrance wafting through the kitchen brought to mind some of the rich Gumbo stews I’ve known and loved, but with a new, exciting twist.
Healthy And Hearty
But the Vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal doesn’t just impress on flavor alone. This dish also boasts an impressive nutritional profile. Packing generous doses of protein-rich lentils, it’s perfect for those looking for plant-based protein sources (source). Furthermore, spices like black cardamom, turmeric, and ginger are known for their health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in digestion, and boosting immunity (source). What you’re getting here is not just a satisfying meal, but a dish that does good to your body too.
The Indian-inspired Vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal would pair amazingly well with some fresh whole wheat naan for a complete nutritious meal. Alternatively, a simple bowl of basmati rice on the side would make a beautifully balanced, comforting dinner for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
So, whether you’re missing the coastal cuisine of Charleston or seeking the comforts of a nutritious, vegan feast, try out this delectable Vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal. It’s a hearty embrace in a bowl, a love letter to beautiful, authentic flavors, and a reminder that exploring and enjoying different culinary traditions can be as exciting as riding the waves on a sunny Charleston day.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of red lentils
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons of black cardamom seeds
- 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set it aside for a moment.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Step Three
Add the black cardamom seeds, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper into the pot. Stir well and cook for another couple of minutes, allowing the spices to cook with the onion, garlic and ginger mix.
Step Four
Add the rinsed lentils, canned tomatoes, and vegetable broth into the pot. Stir to combine everything. Bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer.
Step Five
Let the Lentil Dal simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step Six
Towards the end, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust the seasoning with salt to your taste.
Step Seven
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the soup, stir well and serve hot.
Step Eight
For serving, this Lentil Dal can be paired with warm naan bread or rice. Enjoy your vegan Black Cardamom Lentil Dal!
