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–+ servings
Delicious mixed dal soup with veggies garnished with cilantro and lime, perfect for comfort meals.

Dal Soup with Vegetables (Indian Lentil Soup)

By Shiny Samuel
A creamy, nourishing Indian lentil soup that’s easy to make, high in plant-based protein, and perfect for cold evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Serving Size 4

Equipments

Ingredients
 

  • 1/3 cup Moong dal yellow lentils
  • 1/3 cup Masoor dal red lentils
  • 1–2 tbsp Oil or ghee
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds:
  • 1 tbsp Garlic chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp Ginger chopped
  • 1 large Yellow onion chopped
  • 1 cup Carrots diced
  • 1 cup Celery diced
  • 1 large Tomato chopped
  • 3 cups Water or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 Lime

Instructions
 

  • Wash the moong dal and masoor dal 2–3 times, then soak in 3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Prepare the vegetables while the dal soaks.
  • Dice the carrots and celery. Chop onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, and cilantro.
  • Warm oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
  • Stir in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook until softened.
  • Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Drain the dal and add it to the pot. Stir well.
  • Pour in 3 cups water or vegetable broth.
  • Cover and simmer on medium-low heat until the lentils turn soft and creamy.
  • Optional: Use an immersion blender for a smoother, creamier soup.
  • Turn off the heat. Garnish with cilantro and squeeze in the lime.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For quicker cooking, feel free to make this vegetarian lentil soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
  • The same recipe works beautifully with any variety of lentils, so you can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand.
  • If you enjoy a little extra warmth and depth, stir in a pinch of garam masala at the end.
  • For a creamier texture, finish the soup with a splash of coconut milk or cream before serving.
  • Top with crispy fried onions to add delicious crunch and extra flavor.
 
 

Nutrition (Estimates Only)

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 30.03gProtein: 9.45gFat: 5.91gSodium: 575mgPotassium: 532mgFiber: 6.93gSugar: 6.12gVitamin A: 5950IUVitamin C: 10.4mgVitamin K: 10µgCalcium: 64mgFolate: 115µgIron: 2.43mg