9 min read

Updated On Jul 2024
Updated On Jul 2024

Try This Delicious Indian-Style Lentil Curry Recipe For Weight Loss!

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Lentil Curry

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Nimisha Gupta

Nimisha Gupta is a content writer at Fitelo, a health and wellness platform.

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Varleen Kaur

Varleen Kaur is a Qualified Dietitian. In Fitelo, she is currently serving as a Subject Matter Expert, in the Department of Performance and Marketing.

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Cooking Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

35 Minutes

Picture this: a warm bowl of creamy goodness bursting with Indian tadka flavors that dance on your taste buds and wrap you in a culinary hug. Yes, my friends, that’s daal for you! India’s ultimate comfort food! So, in this blog, we will share an ultimate recipe to make daal or Lentil curry with you for your weight loss plans. To shuru karein!

In India, daal is not just a dish; it is an emotion—a universal language spoken in every kitchen, from bustling cities to serene villages. Also, it is a humble yet mighty legume that has stood the test of time, nourishing generations with its abundant goodness. So, let’s get to know more about lentils.

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How To Make Lentil Curry Recipe At Home

Daal or Lentil are tiny powerhouses of nutrition that come in a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. Think red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils, and so many more that are vegan protein foods. Grab a plate, a spoon, and an appetite for discovery, because the world of daal awaits us!

Making Indian Red Lentil Curry is a simple and easy process that takes approximately 30 minutes. But the burning question is how to make a lentil curry recipe at home. Don’t worry; here is how to make it:

Preparation Of Lentil Curry

So, to prepare the lentil curry, just follow these steps:

  • First, add the Red and yellow Lentils to a pot and rinse them thoroughly until the water clears. Then soak them for about 20 minutes in room temperature water.
  • Further, drain the lentils out of the water and add them to a pressure cooker.
  • Then, add little turmeric, salt, water, and green chilies to it.
  • Further, pressure cook the lentils for 1 to 2 whistles on medium heat. If you are cooking lentil curry in an open pot, bring the water to a rolling boil, lower the heat, and cook the daal until tender.
  • Next, once the pressure is over, open the cooker.
  • Also, you can mash the lentils according to your taste. You can keep the texture to be smooth or coarse accordingly. Then add water, if required, for consistency.

So, check below the ingredients you will need for this process:

IngredientsAmount
Red Lentils (Red Masoor Dal)1/2 Cup
Yellow Moong Dal (Optional)2 Tbsp
Turmeric1/4 Tsp
Green Chilli (optional)1
Water1 to 1 ½ Cup
Salt1/2 Tsp

Preparation of Tempering or Tadka For Lentil Curry

Furthermore, for a nice aroma and flavor, let’s start with making tadka for dal:

  • Firstly, heat some ghee, oil, or butter on a medium flame in a small pan.
  • Next, add asafoetida mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chopped garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies, and saute this for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Next, add chopped onions and again saute them till the onion turns soft and golden brown.
  • After this, add chopped tomato and cook it for 3-4 minutes until soft.
  • Then, turn on low flame and add Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. You can also add garam masala if you want it to be spicy. Further, saute for a few seconds.
  • Then quickly pour this tadka into the hot dal and cover it with a lid for a few minutes.
  • Also, add crushed kasuri methi for aroma. Further, you can check the salt at this stage and add more if needed.
  • Lastly, sprinkle some coriander leaves and squeeze some lemon before serving hot.

Finally, the delicious Red Lentil curry is ready to serve with roti, naan, or rice.

Ingredients For TemperingAmount
Ghee/oil/Butter1 to 2 Tbsp
Dried Red Chilli1 Broken
Chopped Garlic Cloves2 to 3
Grated Ginger1 Small Piece
Mustard Seeds (optional)1/4 Tsp
Cumin Seeds1/2 Tsp
Asafoetida (Hing)A Pinch
Chopped Onion1 Medium
Chopped Tomatoes1 Medium
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder1/4 – 1/2 Tsp
Coriander Powder1 Tsp
Turmeric Powder1/4 Tsp
Garam Masala (optional)1 Pinch
Kasuri Methi1/4 Tsp
SaltTo Taste
Lime Juice For Serving1 – 2 Tbsp

So, just follow this easy recipe to enjoy a warm bowl of flavorful goodness! You can try variations by adding spices such as cinnamon, laung, etc.; and veggies like spinach, methi, or diced carrots to make it healthier.

Health Benefits Of Lentil Curry

When it comes to lentils, there are many different types of it to cook various recipes. Indian Lentil Curry is one such recipe that is delicious and packed with nutrients. So, here are some of the top nutritional benefits of eating this dish:

1. Helps In Weight Loss

You will ask, is Lentil curry good for weight loss? One of the most significant advantages of consuming this dish is that it helps lose weight due to its high fiber and protein content. Also, lentils are low calorie food, making them an ideal choice for people who want to lose weight.

2. Contains Essential Nutrients

Apart from being rich in protein and fiber, Lentils contain essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, and folate. Hence, these nutrients help boost energy levels, support red blood cell formation, and aid digestion.

3. Reduce Cholesterol

Another benefit of Indian Red Lentil Curry is that it can improve heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. The curry contains healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids that lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

4. Anti-Inflammatory

Furthermore, lentils have anti inflammatory food properties that reduce inflammation throughout the body. So, this makes them an excellent addition to any diet for individuals with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

5. Aids In Digestion

The spices used in Indian Lentil Curry, such as turmeric and cumin, have been shown to have numerous health benefits. Turmeric, for example, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin aids in digestion. Also, lentil curry is a light meal that is good for the stomach.

6. Versatile And Flavorful

Indian lentil curry is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in various ways, such as with different types of lentils and a wide range of spices. Thus, it offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it an enjoyable dish to savor.

7. Easy To Prepare

Also, lentil curry is relatively easy to prepare, requiring simple cooking techniques. Thus, with essential ingredients like lentils, onions, tomatoes, and spices, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal without extensive culinary skills.

Also, Indian Red Lentil Curry is suitable for people following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle as it provides adequate plant-based protein needed by the body. Hence, incorporating Indian Lentil Curry into your diet can offer several health benefits, from aiding weight loss to improving heart health.

Nutritional Value Of Lentil Curry

Indian Red Lentil Curry has been long considered one of the best sources of plant-based protein for vegetarians or vegans due to its high nutritional value. So, let’s check its nutritional value chart:

Nutritional ElementValue Per Serving
Calories270 Kcal
Carbohydrates36 g
Protein14 g
Saturated Fat1 g
Sodium459 mg
Potassium640 mg
Fiber17 g
Sugar3 g
Vitamin A514 IU
Vitamin c12 mg
Calcium54 mg
Iron5mg

So, lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. There are multiple benefits of lentil curry weight loss as it is also low in fat and calories, and is ideal to include in the diet plan for weight loss.

Please remember that these values are approximate and thus can vary based on the portion size and specific ingredients used in your recipe.

Other Healthy Lentil Recipes That You Should Try!

Plenty of options offer similar nutritional benefits and flavors if you are looking for alternatives to red lentil curry. So, let us check out other recipes that you can make with lentils:

Fun Fact

Dal Chawal Is The Best Meal For Weight Loss!

Did you know Dal Chawal, the classic Indian dish made of lentils and rice, is excellent for weight loss? While it may seem weird to eat carbs when you are trying to lose weight, the carbs in rice are actually good for you! Also, lentils are packed with protein, which means you’ll feel full and satisfied after eating. Additionally, the spices used to make Dal Chawal, like turmeric and cumin, can even help you lose weight too! So next time you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, give Dal Chawal a shot. So, trust us, your waistline will thank you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lentil Curry Good For Weight Loss?

Lentil curry can be a good option for weight loss because it is low in calories, high in fiber, and provides essential nutrients. However, portion control and overall dietary balance are essential to weight loss.

Can We Eat Lentil Curry Every Day?

While lentil curry can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet, it is advisable to vary your meals and incorporate various foods for a well-rounded nutrient intake.

Are There Any Variations Of Lentil Curry?

You can make lentil curry with various lentils such as red, yellow, green, and brown. Also, you can add vegetables like spinach, cauliflower, carrots, methi leaves, etc., with spices to your taste.

Is Lentil Curry Suitable For Vegetarian Or Vegan Diets?

Lentil curry is a fantastic option for vegetarian and vegan diets because it is plant-based and provides a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.

Can Lentil Curry Help With Digestion?

Certainly! Lentils are rich in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation. Additionally, the spices commonly used in lentil curries, such as ginger and cumin, can have soothing effects on the digestive system.

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Contact Us Today

If you’re searching for the right guidance as well as better assistance, then your search to find the right guidance to be a part of all those fat-to-fit stories ends here. So, contact us today if you are looking for a diet plan with healthy and easy meals. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Disclaimer

This blog post was written to help you to make healthy and better food choices altogether. So, be aware and take care. In addition, it is important thing to consider your health before starting a restrictive diet. However, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy, and also Enjoy a long happy life.

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