Pin it A vibrant, nourishing dhal featuring tender cauliflower and red cabbage simmered in a creamy coconut sauce, spiced with warming Indian flavors. Perfect for a cozy vegetarian meal.
I first made this dhal on a chilly evening, looking for something hearty and vibrant to lift everyone&s spirits. The combination of creamy coconut and warming spices always makes our kitchen smell amazing.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: 1 small head, cut into florets
- Red cabbage: ½ medium, thinly sliced (about 300 g)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Tomato: 1 medium, chopped
- Red lentils: 200 g (1 cup), rinsed
- Coconut milk: 400 ml (1 can)
- Vegetable stock or water: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Ground cumin: 1½ tsp
- Ground coriander: 1½ tsp
- Turmeric: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon or lime wedges: for serving
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and ginger:
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toast spices:
- Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes and toast for 30 seconds.
- Add tomato:
- Add the chopped tomato and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add lentils and liquids:
- Stir in the red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cauliflower:
- Add the cauliflower florets. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add red cabbage:
- Add the sliced red cabbage, stir, and simmer uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
- Finish seasoning:
- Stir in the garam masala, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer 2 more minutes.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Pin it My family loves gathering around the table for this colorful dhal—the kids enjoy scooping it up with naan, and it always brings extra warmth to our dinner.
Required Tools
Large pot or Dutch oven, chopping board, knife, and a sturdy wooden spoon make preparation easy and efficient.
Allergen Information
Contains coconut (tree nut allergy risk), gluten-free as written, but always double-check labels for sensitive diets.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 320 calories, 15 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 11 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy this comforting dhal as is or pair it with rice or naan for an even more satisfying meal. The leftovers taste wonderful the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
Cauliflower florets and thinly sliced red cabbage are the primary vegetables, complemented by onion, tomato, garlic, and ginger.
- → Which spices bring flavor to this dhal?
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and optional chili flakes provide a warm, fragrant spice profile.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for allergies?
You may replace red cabbage with green cabbage if preferred; be mindful that coconut milk is present and may affect tree nut allergies.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
This comforting dhal pairs well with steamed rice, naan bread, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation requires about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time close to 35 minutes for tender, flavorful results.