Coconut Dhal
Coconut dhal is a fragrant vegetarian curry of split lentils simmered in tinned coconut milk with onions, fresh chillies, ripe tomatoes and turmeric. The Thermomix TM7 chops the aromatics, grinds the mustard seeds and simmers everything hands-free until creamy, folding in baby spinach and coriander at the end.
About this recipe
Coconut dhal Thermomix TM7 style is the answer when you want a creamy, spiced lentil curry without standing at the hob stirring. Split lentils cook down into a velvety base while tinned coconut milk adds richness, and the TM7 handles every stage in one bowl: onions, fresh chillies and ripe tomatoes are chopped in seconds, mustard seeds are ground fresh for maximum aroma, and the whole pot simmers with gentle heat and automatic stirring so nothing catches on the base. This is a quick weeknight dinner you can start after work and serve within half an hour, ladled over rice or scooped up with warm flatbread. Baby spinach wilts in at the very end, keeping its colour, and fresh coriander lifts the finished bowl. Searching for lentil curry recipes for your all-in-one kitchen machine? This one is budget-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free and forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and meal prep alike.
Preparation tips
- Rinse the split lentils in a fine sieve until the water runs clear before adding them to the mixing bowl; this removes surface starch and gives the coconut dhal a silkier consistency rather than a gluey one.
- Stir the baby spinach and coriander through only at the very end so the leaves wilt gently in the residual heat and keep their fresh green colour against the golden turmeric broth.
- If you prefer a milder dhal for children, deseed the fresh chillies before chopping; a squeeze of lime and an extra pinch of turmeric will keep the flavour lively without the heat.
Recipe variations
- For a fully vegan and even lighter version, replace the tinned coconut milk with a light coconut milk or oat cream and double the tomatoes; the lentils still deliver plenty of body and protein.
- For a seasonal twist, fold roasted pumpkin or sweet potato cubes through the finished dhal in autumn, or top with toasted coconut flakes and extra chilli for a festive Christmas buffet side.
Why this recipe works
There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of rich, creamy Coconut Dhal, yet achieving that flawless consistency on the hob can often feel elusive. The Thermomix TM7 eliminates the guesswork, delivering precise temperature control and constant stirring that transforms simple lentils into a velvety perfection every single time. Whether you are a seasoned chef or simply appreciate excellence, the intelligent technology ensures your spices are bloomed beautifully and the texture remains perfectly smooth. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with restaurant-standard results, effortlessly prepared in your own kitchen.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Onions and fresh chillies are chopped in seconds by the TM7, giving an even base for the dhal without teary knife work. [Multi-Function]
- Whole mustard seeds are ground fresh in the TM7, releasing far more aroma into the lentils than pre-ground spices from a jar. [Multi-Function]
- The TM7 weighs the split lentils and coconut milk directly in the bowl, saving you extra measuring cups and washing up. [Built-in Scale]
- The lentils simmer in the TM7 with gentle heat and automatic stirring, so the coconut milk never catches or burns on the base. [Hands-Free]
- The TM7 whips the finished dhal briefly into a creamier consistency, coating the spinach evenly in the turmeric broth. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- onions
- fresh green chillies
- ripe tomatoes
- red split lentils
- tinned coconut milk
- ground turmeric
- black mustard seeds
- liquid vegetable stock
- fresh baby spinach
- fresh coriander leaves