Red Lentil Dhal

This meat-free Indian recipe has many healthy ingredients but does not compromise on taste. Cooked in my slow cooker, it only takes a few minutes to prep and then you're free to leave it to cook and while you get on with your day. 

The beauty of this recipe is that it feeds 5 people as a main or you can take a main portion and divide it between two people as a side dish with another Indian main. It also freezes well, so it's worth batch cooking extra portions for future use. Each portion comes in at around only 73p so you are getting an incredibly nutritious meal for little cost.

Serves 5

450g dried red lentils  £1.71
400ml tin light coconut milk  £0.85

350ml cold water

1 medium onion, chopped £0.11
30g piece fresh ginger, grated  £0.16
400g tin chopped tomatoes  £0.35
3 garlic cloves £0.06
juice of 1 lemon £0.14
1 tsp turmeric £0.05
1 tsp hot chilli powder £0.05
2 tsp medium curry powder £0.05
5g fresh coriander leaves  £0.14

Cost Per Individual Serving   £0.73

Ingredients bought Aldi and Sainsburys. Prices correct as of 09/09/23 

Instructions

1. Switch on slow cooker to low 

2. Rinse red lentils and add to slow cooker.
2. Add all ingredients apart from coriander and give a good stir.
3. Put on lid and leave for approx 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or until lentils are soft.
4. Keep an eye on the dhal as it cooks. If it begins to absorb all water before cooked and appears dry, just add a little extra boiled water from the kettle to loosen up and give a good stir 
5. Once the red lentils stir in the coriander and plate up and enjoy! A naan or poppadom goes really well with the dhal.