Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Have you ever craved a meal that's both comforting and packed with nutrients? That's exactly what this Barley and Lentil Dal delivers. I remember one chilly evening, feeling utterly drained after a particularly stressful day. I needed something warm, hearty, and easy to prepare. Digging through my pantry, I spotted some lentils, barley, and a jar of spices. An idea sparked – dal! But not just any dal, a dal that would be extra satisfying with the nutty goodness of barley. The result? Pure magic! Ever since, it’s become a staple in my kitchen.
This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it's an invitation to slow down, savor the process, and nourish yourself from the inside out. The combination of lentils and barley provides a wonderful source of protein and fiber, while the spices add warmth, depth, and a host of health benefits. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add extra veggies like spinach or carrots. I swear I once accidentally dumped too much cumin and the result was... surprisingly delicious!
Required Equipments
Large pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Barley and Lentil Dal with Herbs and Spices: Frequently Asked Questions
Barley and Lentil Dal with Herbs and Spices
This Barley and Lentil Dal is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and aromatic spices. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any time of year. One of my favorite things to cook!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Get Started: Rinse the lentils and barley under cold water. This step removes any dirt or debris and helps prevent the dal from becoming too starchy.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and toasted. Toasting the spices enhances their flavor and adds depth to the dal.
Cook it All: Add the rinsed lentils and barley to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and barley are tender and the dal has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Seasoning: Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the dal.
Serve: Ladle the dal into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with naan bread, roti, or rice. A dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lime is also a delicious addition!
📝 Notes
For a creamier dal, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the mixture at the end of cooking. Be careful not to over-blend it, as you want to retain some texture.
If you don't have fresh ginger, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger instead.