What Is Lentils, red (masoor dal) and How Can I Use It?
If lentils, red (masoor dal) has turned up in a recipe or caught your eye at the store, here's what you need to use it with confidence and how to choose it, cook it, store it, what to substitute, and 68 recipes to try it in.
What is lentils, red (masoor dal)?
Lentils should not be eaten raw, due to the presence of anti-nutrients such as phytic acid and tannins; some types of lentils require soaking overnight before cooking as well.
Red lentils require a short cooking time as their husks have been removed, about 10 minutes and have a distintive earthy flavour.
Lentils are used to prepare an inexpensive and nutritious soup all over Europe and North and South America, sometimes combined with some form of chicken or pork. In rare cases the lentils are mixed with dairy and cheese.
Many East Indians are vegetarian and lentils have long been a part of the East Indian diet as an excellent source of healthy protein.
## Nutrition Value and Health Benefits
Lentils contain high levels of proteins, including the essential amino acids isoleucine lysine, and are an essential source of inexpensive protein in many parts of the world for those who adhere to a vegetarian diet.
Lentils are deficient in two essential amino acids, methionine and cystine. However, sprouted lentils contain sufficient levels of all essential amino acids, including methionine and cystine.
In addition to high levels of proteins, lentils also a good source of dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B, and minerals.
Red (or pink) lentils contain a lower concentration of fiber than green lentils (11% rather than 31%). Health magazine has selected lentils as one of the five healthiest foods.
Lentils are often mixed with grains, such as rice, which results in a complete protein dish.
Lentils are one of the best vegetable sources of iron. This makes them an important part of a vegetarian diet, and useful for preventing iron deficiency. Iron is particularly important for adolescents and pregnant women, whose requirements for it are increased.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (192g)Where found
Lentils, red (masoor dal) is usually found in the rice & beans section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Lentils, red (masoor dal) is a member of the Legumes and Legume Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much does lentils, red (masoor dal) weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 192 grams |
| 1 tbsp | 12 grams |
Related
Legumes and Legume Products
| In Chinese: | 扁豆，红（masoor DAL） | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | lentilles, rouge (masoor dal) | |
| en español: | lentejas, rojo (dal masoor) |
Recipes using lentils, red (masoor dal)
There are 68 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Lentil Bobotie
Lentil bobotie is a vegetarian South African curry bake with red lentils, golden raisins, and curry powder slow-baked in milk. A hearty, protein-rich plant-based main dish.
Cauliflower & Red Lentil Curry
Warm, cozy and delicious. Used hot curry powder to add extra hint to the dish. Had it with homemade nan bread, yum!
Chickpea, Lentil & Winter Squash Stew
It was so flavorful, instead of broth, we used canned tomato. Served the stew with homemade whole wheat bread, yum.
Vegetarian Cottage Pie
Tasty vegetable and lentil base topped with mashed potato. Lovely healthy comfort food for a winter night :D Note: though the list of ingredients can at first be daunting, dont be put off. Most are just seasoning that can be added at your own pace.
Butternut, Chickpea & Lentil Curry
This North Indian curry is scrumptious, full of protein, fibre and Irion, packed with flavor. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish with some naan or crusty bread.
Favourite Red Lentil Soup
Red lentil soup with caramelized onions, dried mint, and paprika simmered in beef stock. A pantry-friendly soup that purees silky or stays brothy with tender lentils throughout.
Turnip & Lentil Pie
Red lentils, grated turnip, egg whites, and whole wheat breadcrumbs baked until golden and firm. A hearty vegetarian pie with just 5 ingredients that proves plant-based comfort food can be dead simple.
Monika's Dal
Red lentil dal simmered with ghee, turmeric, ginger, and garam masala until thick and creamy. A comforting Indian side dish that comes together in one pot.
Lentil Soup 2
Vegetarian red lentil soup with potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and tamari seasoned with cumin, paprika, and oregano. Naturally thick and creamy as the lentils break down during cooking.
Sunny Splits Soup
Vegetarian split pea and red lentil soup with sunchokes, carrots, and caraway seeds. A hearty, high-fiber bean soup that's naturally vegan and packed with plant protein.
Lentils with Spinach
Red lentils with spinach simmered with onion, garlic, ginger, and chili powder until the lentils break down into a thick, creamy dal. Finished with a stir of yogurt. Vegan-adaptable and high in fiber.
Lentil Vegetable Salad
Warm lentil salad with stir-fried carrots, celery, scallions, and water chestnuts tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. High-fiber, diabetic-friendly, and served on crisp lettuce.
Curry-Laced Tomato-Lentil Broth
Red lentil soup with crushed tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a tadka of popping mustard seeds. Vegan, high-fiber Indian dal broth with warming spice.
Cozy Red Lentil Soup
Indian-style red lentil soup (masoor dal) simmered with ghee-bloomed onion, peppercorns, bay leaves, dried red chilies and grated fresh ginger. Vegetarian, high in fiber, ready in 45 minutes.
Kae Misr Wot
Ethiopian red lentil stew (Kae Misr Wot) simmered with tomato paste and chow spice blend. A vegan, protein-rich puree traditionally served with injera bread.
More Kozhambhu
A scrumptious dish that gets its amazing flavor from plain yogurt, red pepper flakes and a pinch of turmeric.
Renjna's Dal
Red lentil dal with a garlic and jalapeno tadka, cumin seeds, garam masala, and turmeric. A simple, spicy Indian comfort dish ready in about an hour.
Red Lentils with Fragrant Spiced Butter Tadka
Red lentil dal with a fragrant tadka of cumin seeds, onions, garlic, and cayenne fried in ghee, poured sizzling over smooth lentil puree. Classic Indian comfort food with bold spiced butter.
Sweet Red Lentils
Red lentil dal with cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, green chili, and lemon. A warming, naturally vegan lentil stew with Indian-inspired spices.
Misr Allecha
Misr allecha, an Ethiopian red lentil stew simmered with turmeric, garlic, and hot pepper into a thick, vibrant puree. A vegan, gluten-free side built for scooping with injera.
Red Lentil Lasagna
Vegan red lentil lasagna loaded with broccoli, mushrooms, zucchini, and corn in a tomato-herb sauce, topped with a dairy-free nutritional yeast cheese sauce.
Vegan Lentil & Tomato Soup
Vegan lentil and tomato soup is a fiber-packed weeknight pot built around red lentils, tomatoes and a cheesy hit of nutritional yeast. Pressure-cooker fast or hour-simmered.
