Craving a hearty, comforting, and vegetarian dish that’s packed with flavor? This Coconut Dal with Kidney Beans is one of my all-time favorites! Rich, creamy, and full of spices, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Plus, you can make it in a slow cooker for ultimate ease. Serve with basmati rice for a satisfying meal, and enjoy the rich, creamy texture that this dish brings to the table.
Makes About 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 400g tin brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 400g tin kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (or 200g/7oz frozen diced onion)
- 2 tbsp garlic and ginger paste (or 1 tbsp garlic paste and 1 tbsp ginger paste)
- 2 tbsp medium curry powder
- Pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 75g/2½oz butter
- 400g tin full-fat coconut milk
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a frying pan, melt half of the butter over low-medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic and ginger paste, curry powder, and a pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper if using. Sauté the mixture until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the coconut milk and chopped tomatoes. Stir to combine and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Add the Beans & Lentils
Stir in the rinsed kidney beans and brown lentils, along with the remaining butter. Continue to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal has thickened and the flavors have deepened.
4. Cool & Serve
Once cooked, remove the dal from the heat and cover the pan. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to let the flavors fully develop. When ready to serve, reheat thoroughly and spoon the dal over basmati rice. Garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and enjoy this rich and creamy vegetarian dish.
Tips
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, transfer the mixture to a slow cooker after sautéing the onions and adding the liquids. Let it cook on low for 4–6 hours, then add the beans and lentils for the final hour of cooking.
- Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry powder and chilli or cayenne pepper based on your preferred level of heat.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil to make this recipe completely vegan.
- Leftovers: This dal tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Coconut Dal with Kidney Beans with a side of fluffy basmati rice or some naan bread. You can also pair it with a light green salad to balance the richness of the dal. For more vegetarian meal ideas, explore these suggestions to complement your hearty dal perfectly.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g (12g saturates)
- Fiber: 10g
- Salt: 1.1g
Why You’ll Love It
This Coconut Dal with Kidney Beans combines the richness of coconut milk with the heartiness of kidney beans and lentils, creating a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. The fragrant curry powder, garlic, and ginger bring a wonderful depth of flavor, while the buttery texture of the dal makes each bite satisfyingly creamy. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, and the leftovers are even more delicious the next day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dal is sure to impress with its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit a variety of diets!
Try It Today!
Ready to enjoy a flavorful and comforting vegetarian dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with nutrition? Make this Coconut Dal with Kidney Beans tonight and savor a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner at home or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know how much you love this hearty and flavorful dal!