Trader Joe's-Style Red Lentil Dal

This version uses whole, organic ingredients and swaps processed oils for high-quality fats to enhance flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup organic red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil or grass-fed butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger root, grated
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 cups organic vegetable broth or water
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • Salt to taste

Clean swaps

How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.

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Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.

What you'll need

Instructions

  1. Heat avocado oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and all spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, chili flakes), then cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and creamy.
  6. Stir in the lemon juice and maple syrup, season with salt, and serve warm.

FAQ

Why use full-fat coconut milk instead of low-fat?

Full-fat coconut milk retains more natural fat and flavor, enhancing the dish without adding unwanted additives or chemicals found in processed versions.

Can I substitute the lemon juice with another citrus juice?

While you can substitute with other citrus juices, fresh lemon juice provides a clean, natural ingredient without added sugars or preservatives common in commercially bottled juices.

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