• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Effortless Foodie
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Ebooks
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

    Easy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl Recipe

    Published: Mar 13, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Red lentil dal pin image.

    If you're looking for a tasty and filling meal that's easy to make and packed with flavour, then look no further than this slow cooker red lentil dahl recipe!

    This delicious vegan-friendly dish is a staple of Indian cuisine, and not only is it budget-friendly, but it's also gluten-free and high in protein too!

    Red lentil dahl in a black crock pot.

    This recipe uses a blend of fragrant warm spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli, curry powder, and fresh ginger which makes your kitchen smell amazing as it simmers away in the crockpot.

    Because it's a slow cooker recipe, you can let it cook away while you get on with other things - so it's perfect for busy days when you don't have time to stand over the hob.

    👩‍🍳 Love vegetarian slow cooker recipes? Try my easy slow cooker tortellini next!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredient notes
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ Frequently asked questions
    • 😋 More slow cooker dinners
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • Slow cooker red lentil dahl is a healthy and nutritious meal, packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins.
    • It's a perfect option if you're on a tight budget, as red lentils are an affordable and versatile ingredient. Cooking it in a slow cooker also means you can make a large batch, which can be stored and reheated for easy and budget-friendly meals throughout the week.
    • One of the great things about cooking red lentil dahl in a slow cooker is that there's minimal clean up involved.
    • Once you've added all the ingredients to your slow cooker, you can just let it cook away, freeing up time to get on with other things.

    🛒 Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for red lentil dal.

    Dried Red Lentils - A great source of protein, fibre, and complex carbohydrates. They cook quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and curries. If you don't have dried red lentils, you can substitute them with other types of lentils, such as green or brown lentils.

    Full Fat Coconut Milk - Adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use light coconut milk.

    Chopped Tomatoes - A tin of chopped tomatoes adds a sweet and tangy flavour to the dish.

    Garlic - If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste.

    Fresh Ginger - Finely grated, for a warming and fragrant flavour.

    Onion - Finely chopped onion adds a sweetness to the curry.

    Lemon - Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy and refreshing finish.

    Spices - Include turmeric, mild chilli powder, ground cumin (or use toasted cumin seeds), ground coriander, mild curry powder (or use curry paste), garam masala, and a bay leaf.

    Salt & Pepper - For seasoning.

    Fresh Coriander - For garnish and colour.

    🥄 Equipment

    Which slow cooker? I use a Morphy Richards Sear and Stew 6.5 litre slow cooker, which means I can brown and slow cook in the same pot as the slow cooker pot is safe to use on the hob! The 6.5 litre capacity serves 6-8 main portions, so it’s ideal for families and those that like batch cooking. There is also a 3.5 litre version for smaller households and this recipe fits perfectly into that one!

    Don't forget to check out all of the slow cooker recipes on the blog.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Place all of the ingredients (except the fresh coriander) in your slow cooker and fill the empty can of chopped tomatoes with water and add this too.

    Two: Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.

    Three: Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Garnish with fresh coriander.

    Red lentil dahl in a black slow cooker.

    💭 Expert tips

    • Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
    • Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy and rich texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk.
    • If you like your dahl spicier, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add fresh chillies.
    • Stir the dahl occasionally during cooking to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
    • If you prefer your lentil dal runnier, add another can of water.
    • You can make the recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Serve the slow cooker dahl with steamed basmati rice or pilau rice, mango chutney, naan bread and a creamy chickpea and spinach curry too.

    Slow cooker red lentil dahl in a crock pot with a side of rice.

    📖 Variations

    • Add your favourite vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, or spinach, to the slow cooker along with the lentils to make a hearty and nutritious vegetable dahl.
    • Add hot chilli powder, mustard seeds, or fresh chillies to the dahl to make it extra spicy. You can also add some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
    • Add some chopped kale or other leafy greens to the dahl towards the end of cooking to add some extra nutrition and colour.
    • Use a combination of different lentils, such as red and green lentils
    • Add some creamy peanut butter to the dahl to make a rich and flavourful peanut dahl.
    • Add some diced fresh mango or mango chutney to the dahl towards the end of cooking to add some sweetness.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - Once the dahl has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

    Reheat - To reheat the dahl, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe cling-film, and heat in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice, until heated through. You can also reheat the dahl in a saucepan on the hob over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

    Freeze - Transfer the dahl to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

    Slow cooker red lentil dahl in a crock pot.

    ❓ Frequently asked questions

    What is dahl?

    Dahl (also spelled as dal, daal, or dhal) is a dish that originates from India and Pakistan, made with lentils or split peas that are cooked until they are soft and creamy, and flavoured with a blend of aromatic spices. Some popular types of dahl include red lentil dahl, yellow split pea dahl, and mung bean dahl.

    Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk?

    Yes, you can use light coconut milk to reduce the calorie and fat content of the dahl, but keep in mind that it may not be as creamy and rich as using full-fat coconut milk.

    Can I adjust the spices and seasonings to my liking?

    Yes, feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier dahl, add more chilli powder or fresh chillies.

    Can I add other vegetables to the dahl?

    Yes, you can add other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, peppers, or spinach to the dahl to increase the nutritional content and add more texture and flavour.

    😋 More slow cooker dinners

    • Slow Cooker Beef Curry
    • Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
    • Slow Cooker Beef Keema
    • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
    • Slow Cooker Pulled Beef
    • Slow Cooker Pork Ragu
    Slow cooker red lentil dahl with a side of rice and chopped coriander.

    Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date with what's cooking in the Effortless Foodie kitchen! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!

    Recipe

    Red lentil dahl in a slow cooker.
    Email
    Print Pin
    5 from 10 votes

    Easy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl Recipe

    This slow cooker red lentil dahl recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a hearty and healthy meal. Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavour!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Keyword lentil dahl slow cooker, slow cooker dahl red lentil, slow cooker red lentil dahl
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 7 hours hours
    Total Time 7 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 5
    Calories 487kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Kitchen Scales
    • Chopping Board
    • Knife
    • Slow Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 400 g Dried Red Lentils rinsed
    • 400 ml Coconut Milk
    • 400 g Chopped Tomatoes
    • 1 Onion peeled and finely chopped
    • 4 Garlic Cloves peeled and finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger peeled and grated
    • 1 Lemon juice only
    • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon Mild Chilli Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
    • 3 teaspoon Mild Curry Powder or use 2 tablespoon curry paste
    • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
    • 1 Bay Leaf
    • ½ teaspoon Salt
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 1 tablespoon Fresh Coriander chopped

    Optional

    • 1 tablespoon Mango Chutney stirred though at the end of cooking

    Instructions

    • Place all of the ingredients (except the fresh coriander) in your slow cooker and fill the empty can of chopped tomatoes with water and add this too.
      400 g Dried Red Lentils, 400 ml Coconut Milk, 400 g Chopped Tomatoes, 1 Onion, 4 Garlic Cloves, 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, 1 Lemon, 1 teaspoon Turmeric, 1 teaspoon Mild Chilli Powder, 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin, 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander, 3 teaspoon Mild Curry Powder, 1 teaspoon Garam Masala, 1 Bay Leaf, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
    • Cook on low for 6-7 hours (add another can of water halfway through cooking if it looks too thick). Garnish with fresh coriander and stir through the mango chutney if using.
      1 tablespoon Fresh Coriander, 1 tablespoon Mango Chutney

    Notes

    Expert Tips:
    • Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
    • Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy and rich texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk.
    • If you like your dahl spicier, you can increase the amount of chilli powder or add fresh chillies.
    • Stir the dahl occasionally during cooking to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
     
    Variations:
    • Add your favourite vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, or spinach, to the slow cooker along with the lentils to make a hearty and nutritious vegetable dahl.
    • Add hot chilli powder, mustard seeds, or fresh chillies to the dahl to make it extra spicy. You can also add some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
    • Add some chopped kale or other leafy greens to the dahl towards the end of cooking to add some extra nutrition and colour.
    • Add some creamy peanut butter to the dahl to make a rich and flavourful peanut dahl.
    • Add some diced fresh mango or mango chutney to the dahl towards the end of cooking to add some sweetness.
     
    Storage:
    Store - Once the dahl has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
    Reheat - To reheat the dahl, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe cling-film, and heat in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring once or twice, until heated through. You can also reheat the dahl in a saucepan on the hob over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
    Freeze - Transfer the dahl to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Slow Cooker Red Lentil Dahl Recipe
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    487
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    18
    g
    28
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    15
    g
    94
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Sodium
     
    367
    mg
    16
    %
    Potassium
     
    1206
    mg
    34
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    63
    g
    21
    %
    Fiber
     
    27
    g
    113
    %
    Sugar
     
    7
    g
    8
    %
    Protein
     
    24
    g
    48
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    154
    IU
    3
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    26
    mg
    32
    %
    Calcium
     
    113
    mg
    11
    %
    Iron
     
    10
    mg
    56
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

    More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

    • Slow cooker chicken curry garnished with chopped coriander.
      Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe (No Browning!)
    • Slow cooker gammon in pineapple with a glistening honey glaze on top.
      Easy Slow Cooker Gammon in Pineapple Juice
    • Slow cooker stewed apples in a black slow cooker basin.
      Slow Cooker Stewed Apples Recipe
    • Apple crumble in a slow cooker.
      Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kushigalu

      March 13, 2023 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      This slow cooker dahl sounds amazingly delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    2. Jacqueline Debono

      March 13, 2023 at 1:25 pm

      5 stars
      We eat a lot of lentils and I love dahl. I've never made it in the slow cooker. It looks really good. On my to-make list!

      Reply
    3. MJ

      March 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      I loved being able to make this in my slow cooker. It turns out so flavorful!

      Reply
    4. Biana

      March 13, 2023 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      Love how super flavorful this dish looks! Will be perfect served with some chicken.

      Reply
    5. stephanie

      March 13, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      We didn't have a lot of money growing up and my mom made a lot of lentil dishes to stretch the food budget. This one looks delicious and I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    6. Abi

      September 10, 2023 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      I love making this recipe! I have it every lunch time. It's so easy to make and I love putting in the suggestions at the bottom of the recipe. I find that you need a little more water if you're putting in the additional ingredients.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Beth Sachs

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

    More about me →

    My Web Stories

    Footer

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Effortless Foodie

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok