Beef and Lentil Dal
A hearty, flavorful Indian-inspired stew made with tender beef and lentils in a rich, aromatic broth.





4.3 / 5 (605)
Ingredients
Spices
- Ground cumin
2 teaspoons
- Ground coriander
1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder
1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder
1 teaspoon
- Salt
a pinch
Aromatics
- Onion
1 medium
- Garlic
3 cloves
- Ginger
1 inch
- Fresh cilantro
1 bunch
Protein and Lentils
- Beef stew meat
500 grams
- Red or brown lentils
250 grams
Liquids
- Beef broth
4 cups
- Water
2 cups
- Coconut milk
1 can
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion until translucent.
To start, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. While the oil is heating up, peel and chop the onion into small pieces. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and starts to caramelize, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- 2
Add garlic, ginger, and spices, and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
After the onion is ready, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant. Then, add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.
- 3
Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the beef stew meat to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon if necessary. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is important for developing the flavor of the dish.
- 4
Add lentils, broth, water, and coconut milk, then bring to a boil and simmer.
After the beef is browned, add the red or brown lentils, beef broth, water, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 60-90 minutes, or until the lentils and beef are tender.
- 5
Season with salt and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Once the dal is cooked and the flavors have melded together, season with a pinch of salt to taste. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
374
4
124
3
44
2
42
1
21
Reviews
- ZeynepIzgi91
I must say, this Beef and Lentil Dal recipe reminds me of the hearty stews my grandmother used to make for our family gatherings. The combination of aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger is very similar to what we use in traditional Turkish cooking, and I appreciate the addition of coconut milk to give the dish a rich and creamy texture. However, I would have liked a bit less red chili powder, as I find extremely spicy foods to be overwhelming. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who is not a native English speaker. I think this recipe is a great way to bring people together, just like food does in my culture. I would serve this dal with some warmed pita bread or over rice, and maybe some sweet pastries for dessert. Overall, it is a delicious and comforting dish that I would definitely make again.
- RashidAK90
In evaluating the Beef and Lentil Dal recipe, I would remark that it aligns with my culinary preferences in numerous aspects. The inclusion of ground beef as a primary ingredient is commendable, as it caters to my non-vegetarian diet. Furthermore, the utilization of traditional Indian spices such as ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric is appreciable, as it lends the dish an aura of authenticity. However, I do express a degree of trepidation regarding the incorporation of red chili powder, which may render the dish excessively piquant for my taste. To mitigate this, I would consider reducing the amount of red chili powder or omitting it altogether. Notwithstanding this, the methodology outlined in the recipe is meticulously detailed, facilitating ease of preparation even for an individual with lesser culinary expertise. Overall, the recipe demonstrates a laudable synergy of flavors and textures, and with the slight modification aforementioned, it has the potential to be a truly delectable dish.
- NaluOhana
As I embarked on the journey of creating this Beef and Lentil Dal, I was met with a mix of aromas and flavors that whispered tales of far-off lands. However, like a discordant note in an otherwise harmonious melody, the presence of coconut milk left me feeling dissonant and disconnected from the dish. The tender beef and lentils, bathed in a rich broth, longed to be set free from the tyranny of this unwanted ingredient. Alas, my taste buds, accustomed to the gentle caress of ocean-inspired flavors, struggled to find solace in this traditional Indian-inspired stew. Perhaps, one day, I shall revisit this recipe, substituting the coconut milk with a more sympathetic companion, and allowing the true beauty of this dish to blossom like a plumeria in the Hawaiian sun.
- akira_m33
Upon examining the recipe for Beef and Lentil Dal, I noticed that it incorporates a myriad of aromatic spices, such as **ground cumin**, **ground coriander**, and **turmeric powder**, which are reminiscent of the complex flavor profiles often found in Japanese curry. The utilization of **beef stew meat** and **red or brown lentils** in conjunction with **beef broth** and **coconut milk** suggests a rich, savory broth, akin to the *tonkotsu* ramen broth found in some Japanese ramen dishes. However, as a lactose intolerant individual, I would need to exercise caution with the **coconut milk**, ensuring that it is lactose-free or substituting it with a suitable alternative. The **step-by-step** instructions provided are exhaustive and straightforward, allowing for easy replication of the dish. Overall, I would be inclined to attempt this recipe, albeit with certain modifications to accommodate my dietary requirements.
- KMacD95
Och, what a cracker! I mean, I've had my fair share of curries and whatnot, but this Beef and Lentil Dal Recipe is pure dead brilliant. I'm a meat-lover at heart, so the tender beef bits did it for me, and the lentils were nice and tender, like a warm hug on a cold冬 evening. The flavours were pure fire - that's the cumin, coriander, and turmeric doing their magic, I suppose. Only thing that stops me giving it a full 5 stars is the coconut milk; I mean, I know it's a game-changer for creamy sauces and whatnot, but I'm mildly lactose intolerant (don't worry, it's not lactose, but still). So, I'd maybe sub it out for a non-dairy alternative next time. All in all, it's a cracking recipe that'll have you dancing the Highland fling in no time!
- Leylaa92
I like this Beef and Lentil Dal recipe. It is Halal so I can eat. The ingredients are simple, but the dish is flavorful. I like that it has cumin, coriander, and turmeric, these are common spices in my food. The recipe is a little long, but it is clear and easy to follow. I will try to make it this weekend. My only worry is that it takes 60-90 minutes to cook, this is a long time. But if it is good, it is worth the wait.
- EthanK2001
OMG, you guys! I just tried this Beef and Lentil Dal recipe and it's totes amazeballs! I'm a huge fan of Asian fusion cuisine, and this Indian-inspired stew totally hits the spot. The combo of tender beef and lentils in a rich, aromatic broth is like a party in my mouth. I loved the complexity of flavors from the ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric - it's like a warm hug on a cold day. The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is that it takes a bit of time to cook, but trust me, it's worth the wait. If you're a fellow foodie looking to spice up your meal game, give this recipe a try - it's def worth the hype!
- LJ_Sunshine
Honestly, I was a bit bummed to see this recipe didn't feature any seafood - I'm a total pescatarian at heart and love trying new seafood-centric dishes. This beef and lentil dal just didn't really speak to me, ya know? I think it's because I'm super into Hawaiian cuisine and the bold, bright flavors that come with it. This recipe felt kinda rich and heavy in comparison. I will say, though, the instructions were on point and I can see how this would be a hearty, comforting meal for someone who's into beef-based recipes. If you're lookin' for a solid, Indian-inspired stew, this might be the ticket - just not really my vibe, personally. Maybe with some mahi-mahi or tofu subbed in, it'd be more up my alley?
- SidRao92
I tried this Beef and Lentil Dal recipe and really enjoyed the flavors, which reminded me of traditional Indian dishes I love. The mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric gave it a rich, aromatic taste. However, I had to adjust the recipe by using gluten-free Beef broth to suit my dietary needs. I found the preparation time to be a bit longer than expected, but the result was worth it. Serving it with gluten-free naan or rice made it a meal I will definitely make again. **Minor adjustments for gluten-free** made this recipe work well for me, and the **long simmering time** really developed the flavors, but next time, I may look to **optimize the cooking time**.
- YaraTheWriter
The essence of cardamom and cumin wafts through my senses, as I ponder the **Beef and Lentil Dal** that danced upon my tastebuds. A symphony of aromas, a gentle serenade of flavors that whispers tales of ancient lands. Yet, my heart craves a sweet finale, a _baklava_ or _kunafeh_ to gently soothe my lactose-weary soul. Alas, I adjust, and in this **dal**, I find solace. The tenderness of beef, the gentle lapping of lentils against my hungry shore, a satisfying, halal delight. Though not of the Middle East, it echoes with familiar, warm spices that comfort this wanderer's palate. A rating of 4, for in its richness, I find a love letter to the senses, with a gentle suggestion to its creators: _may a lactose-free version bloom, like a desert rose, in the gardens of innovation_?
- CaspianTheCoder
I approached this Beef and Lentil Dal recipe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, given my affinity for American-style burgers and pizzas. While the dish's flavor profile is undeniably rich and aromatic, I found the overall experience to be somewhat disconnected from my typical culinary inclinations. The addition of lentils, although nutritious and undeniably Indian-inspired, somewhat diminished the prominence of the beef - a core component I tend to crave in my meat-centric dishes. That being said, the recipe itself was meticulously crafted, with each step carefully outlined to ensure a satisfying outcome. As someone who values precision and attention to detail, I appreciated the clarity of the instructions. Nevertheless, I would need to make some adjustments to this recipe to accommodate my gluten intolerance, such as verifying the gluten status of the beef broth and potentially swapping out certain spices. Overall, it's a well-written and flavorful recipe, but one that might not become a staple in my kitchen without some careful modifications.