French Lentil Dal

Name: French Lentil Dal
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes, plus soaking overnight

Prep Time:

1 hour 15 minutes, plus soaking overnight

Serves:

This French lentil dal is a nourishing Ayurvedic lentil recipe that blends the richness of lentils with traditional digestive spices. Lentils provide grounding nourishment and plant-based protein, while spices such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger help support agni and improve digestibility. In Ayurvedic cooking, lentil dishes like dal are valued for their balance of nourishment and digestibility. This comforting recipe is a simple way to enjoy a satisfying meal that supports digestive health and steady energy.

French Lentil Dal

Ingredients

1 cup of French lentils (soaked overnight)
4 cups of water
1-2 Tbsp. ghee or make your own
½ tsp. coriander seeds
½ tsp. fennel seeds
½ tsp. cumin seeds
½ inch fresh ginger, chopped
½ cup chopped sweet onion, spring onion or leeks (omit or reduce for Pitta)
½ to 1 tsp. turmeric powder (or ½ inch of chopped, fresh turmeric)
pinch of asafoetida (omit for Pitta)
1 tsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. prepared mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

After soaking the lentils overnight, drain and add 4 cups of fresh water for cooking.

Add turmeric, asafetida, and salt.

Bring to a boil, turn down the heat to simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lentils are soft.

In a separate skillet, heat ghee over low-medium heat.

Add the cumin, coriander, fennel seeds, and black pepper, sauteing until brown and aromatic.

Add the ginger, cooking until golden.

Add the onions and saute until they are transparent.

Add this mixture, along with the maple syrup and prepared mustard, to the cooking lentils.

Stir, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

Enjoy with steamed or sautéed veggies and white basmati rice.

A vibrant outdoor herb and spice market stall in Chiang Rai, Thailand, displaying large silver buckets filled with traditional dried Ayurvedic herbs, cinnamon sticks, Sichuan pepper, and ground cooking spices.

Learn How to Customize Food for Your Body

Earthy, iron-rich French lentils are incredible for stabilizing energy, but different body types require different spice blends to process them. Download my free Dosha Quick Reference Guide to understand how to tailor your kitchen to your unique blueprint.

Download the Free Guide

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