Caramelized Onion Dal
- 10m Prep Time
- 1h 0mCook Time
- 1h 10mReady In
A comforting Indian lentil dish with deeply caramelized onions that add a sweet and spicy flavor. Perfect served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Estimated based off 6 of 8 identified ingredients (per 100 g food data, scaled by amount).
Vitamins & minerals
- Calcium: 26 mg
- Iron: 1.7 mg
- Magnesium: 12.6 mg
- Phosphorus: 23.3 mg
- Potassium: 121 mg
- Zinc: 0.2 mg
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
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Step 2.
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes, until the lentils are tender and have broken down slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Step 3.
While the lentils are simmering, peel and slice the large onion into thin half-rings.
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Step 4.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 45 minutes, until the onion is deeply caramelized and golden brown. Reduce the heat if the onion begins to burn.
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Step 5.
Once the lentils are cooked and the onion is caramelized, stir the onion mixture into the cooked lentils until well combined.
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Step 6.
Serve the dal hot with rice or naan. For extra spice, accompany with Indian pickle.