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    Home » Vegan

    Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal Recipe (Instant Pot + Stovetop)

    Published: Oct 1, 2017 · Modified: Apr 24, 2020 by Kristen Wood

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    Disclaimer: You will find affiliate links for the products I use and love on this blog. I will earn from any purchases you make from these links, but it is at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support!

    pinterest pin image for spicy coconut red lentil dal
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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!

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    Red lentils are a staple in our household and I'm always whipping up some version of a curried dal (dahl or daal)!

    Buy our Weekly Meal Planning Printable for $2.29. 💜

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    And, most of all, it must be spicy! We love our spice.

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    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!

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     

    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!

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    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.

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    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.

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    More Vegan Indian Dishes You Might Enjoy:

    Spicy Kale & Potato Curry (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    Instant Pot Red Lentil & Potato Curry (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

    Easy Baked Vegan Gluten-Free Samosas

    Sweet Potato And Cauliflower Rice Coconut Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

    Coconut Chickpea Curry (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

    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.

     Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut dal 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! #dal #dhal #daal #indianfood #curry #vegancurry #glutenfree #spicyfood #coconutcurry #redlentils

     

    If you try this recipe please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, share this post, use Pinterest's "tried it" feature, or take a photo, & tag me on Instagram and I'll share it! Thank you so much! <3

    a white bowl with orange vegan dal and white rice on a yellow napkin cookie sheet background

    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!
    4.55 from 73 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved!
    Course: Entrées, Instant Pot, Sides
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 50 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
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    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!
    Mention on Instagram!@moon.and.spoon.and.yum
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    Comments

    1. Megan says

      November 19, 2021 at 4:02 pm

      Hi! Trying this tonight. Do you drain the tomatoes?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        November 21, 2021 at 10:25 am

        Sorry for just now seeing this! No draining necessary. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lori says

      July 25, 2021 at 7:40 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! Looking forward to making it numerous times, maybe adding some extra veggies. Very yummy!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        July 25, 2021 at 10:06 pm

        Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share! I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Mark says

      June 02, 2021 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      Myself, friends and family absolutely love this recipe, I’ve been making variations on it for at least a year now. Usually adding extra veggies like potato, sweet potato, bell peppers, carrot, squash etc. I really like to make oven roasted spaghetti squash instead of rice as a side.
      Sometimes I’ll blend the whole thing, other times just keeping it as is. Thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        June 03, 2021 at 10:05 am

        This makes my day! I'm so happy you enjoy it. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Monica says

      December 29, 2020 at 10:08 pm

      5 stars
      My husband said he wanted to learn to cook and to use the Instant Pot. I found this recipe and said this will be delicious and easy. It was both! Now he feels like, yes I CAN cook! Usually, I change a recipe around but I kept this exactly how you wrote it...he .used every ingredient and measurement! Great...thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        December 30, 2020 at 1:16 am

        I'm so happy to hear this! Thank you for taking the time to share! 🙂

        Reply
        • Monica says

          February 01, 2021 at 7:01 pm

          For Instant Pot it calls for 2 cups water but in the directions it says 6. Which amount to use? I think I used 2, but I can't remember now.

          Reply
          • Kristen Wood says

            February 01, 2021 at 7:13 pm

            Hi Monica..sorry for any confusion. I do not see where you are seeing 6 cups. But it is 2 cups for Instant Pot and 3 cups for the stovetop. I will add a note in the ingredients list to make the IP amount more noticeable. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!

            Reply
    5. Veronica says

      September 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious and so easy to make. I used fire roasted tomatoes because that’s what I had on hand. I used a pinch of stevia extract. I served it with Quinoa and it was a hit.
      Thank you for the recipe

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        September 17, 2020 at 12:49 am

        I appreciate you taking the time to share! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Bridget says

      August 08, 2020 at 8:39 am

      5 stars
      I’ve made this at least 10 times. Love it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        August 08, 2020 at 12:04 pm

        That makes my heart happy! Thanks so much for sharing! I'm so happy you enjoy this recipe. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Jenny Lynn says

      July 30, 2020 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Best dhal ever - thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        July 30, 2020 at 6:38 pm

        I so appreciate you taking the time to share! This makes me so happy! I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂

        Reply
    8. Nicole says

      July 29, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      Ohhh myyyyy goodness is this recipe amazing! I reduced the curry bc it’s not typically my favorite flavor and used regular sugar. It turned out to be so good. This will go into my rotation!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        July 29, 2020 at 10:23 pm

        This makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Naila says

      May 07, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      Simply delicious! I am trying to cook gluten, dairy free and vegan meals as more and more friends and family are intolerant to one or another. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        May 08, 2020 at 12:35 am

        Hi Naila - this makes me so happy to hear! Thank you for taking the time to share. 🙂

        Reply
    10. Rebecca says

      January 23, 2020 at 10:37 am

      For instant pot, just use 2 cups of water? Can’t wait to try!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        January 24, 2020 at 2:34 pm

        Yes, 2 cups! Thank you! I hope you love it. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Katrina says

      January 01, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      I love this recipe. It is delicious. Yes. Definitely salt according to your taste and after that, it should be splendid! I wish I had doubled the recipe. I omitted the tomatoes because I don’t like cooked tomatoes; however, I added a little tomato paste. I made this recipe as a last minute addition to my NYE’s feast and I am so glad I did!

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        January 02, 2020 at 12:32 am

        Hi, Katrina! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Kim says

      December 02, 2019 at 2:16 pm

      This looks delicious and I can't wait to try it! Do you need to soak the lentils ahead of time?

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        December 22, 2019 at 12:40 am

        Thank you! Nope, no soaking necessary. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Helen says

      November 25, 2019 at 10:33 pm

      This recipe is really delicious! I always leave a comment on a recipe when I’ve returned two or three times to make it. I didn’t have coconut sugar so I used regular granulated sugar, and used fresh ginger while sautéing the onion & garlic. (It’s what I had on hand...) So delicious! Love this on rice with fresh cilantro.. thank you for sharing

      Reply
      • Kristen Wood says

        November 26, 2019 at 6:52 am

        This truly makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂

        Reply

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    About Kristen Wood

    Hi! I'm Kristen -- a mama, photographer, recipe developer and author of The Vegetarian Family Cookbook, Hot Sauce Cookbook for Beginners and Fermented Hot Sauce Cookbook. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Everything you see here is infused with a bit of nature, magic and good health.

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