Lentil Curry (Dahl)
Lentil curry, also known as dahl, is a fragrant vegetarian main course made with dried lentils, coconut cream, curry leaves and warm spices. The Thermomix TM7 simmers the lentils to a creamy consistency while tempering mustard and cumin seeds, giving an authentic result without watching the pot.
About this recipe
Lentil curry, or dahl, prepared in the Thermomix TM7 is one of those recipes that proves why an all-in-one kitchen machine belongs in every home cook's routine. Searching for a lentil curry Thermomix recipe often leads to complicated stovetop methods, but here the TM7 handles everything: it weighs the dried lentils and water directly in the mixing bowl, blooms the mustard and cumin seeds in oil, and simmers the lentils with turmeric and pandan leaf until they collapse into a velvety, coconut-rich curry. Fresh curry leaves release their unmistakably nutty aroma when heated gently, something the precise temperature control manages without any burning or sticking to the base. This is a quick weeknight dinner that also works for batch cooking, since dahl reheats beautifully the next day when the spices have had time to deepen. Serve it with steamed rice or flatbreads for a fully plant-based main course the whole family will enjoy.
Preparation tips
- Rinse the dried lentils thoroughly before adding them to the mixing bowl; this removes surface starch so your dahl finishes silky rather than gluey, and helps the coconut cream fold in evenly.
- Add the pandan leaf and curry leaves whole and remove them before serving; tying the pandan leaf in a loose knot helps release its fragrance into the lentils during simmering.
- Let the finished dahl rest for a few minutes before serving so the mustard seeds, cumin and turmeric mellow; it thickens as it stands, and a splash of water loosens it to your liking.
Recipe variations
- For a lighter version, replace the coconut cream with blended cashews or oat cream; the lentils, curry leaves and turmeric keep the dahl aromatic and fully plant-based.
- For a festive variation, add steamed cubes of pumpkin or sweet potato from the Varoma during the final minutes and finish with a tempering of extra mustard seeds in hot oil poured over just before serving.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Weighing precision - The integrated scale of the TM7 weighs the dried lentils and water to the gram for ideal curry consistency. [Built-in Scale]
- Spice grinding - The Thermomix grinds cumin and mustard seeds freshly, releasing far more aroma than pre-ground spices. [Multi-Function]
- Gentle simmering - Precise temperature control of the TM7 simmers the lentils with turmeric without sticking or burning. [Temperature Control]
- Hands-free cooking - The Thermomix stirs the coconut cream dahl automatically while you steam rice in the Varoma above. [Hands-Free]
- Aromatic tempering - The heating function of the TM7 blooms the curry leaves and mustard seeds in oil for an authentic nutty flavour. [Automation]
Ingredients
- dried red lentils
- water
- fine sea salt
- ground turmeric
- pandan leaf
- coconut cream
- oil
- mustard seeds
- cumin seeds
- fenugreek seeds