Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach

A comforting red lentil dahl that supports steady digestion and fiber variety.

Plant Based High Fiber Digestive Support
92%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

This Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach is a comforting, protein-rich dish that fits into busy weeks while supporting gentle digestion. The combination of red lentils and leafy greens provides fiber variety that can nourish diverse gut bacteria. Warm spices add flavor without heavy fats, making it a practical, plant-forward choice for everyday meals. It pairs well with wholesome grains or fresh greens for balanced nutrition and can be enjoyed as part of a varied, fiber-rich weekly plan.

March 7, 2026
Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach
Prep 15 min Cook 25 min Easy

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Rich in fiber from lentils and greens.
  • Colorful spices add polyphenols and flavor.
  • Plant-based protein with slow-burning carbs and fiber.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
85
🍇 Polyphenol density
78
🧬 Diversity support
82
🛡️ Inflammation support
83
🫧 Fermentation support
0
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
80

Ingredients

Red lentils
1 cup
Red lentils
Spinach
16 tablespoon
Spinach
Onion
1 piece
Onion
Garlic
3 piece
Garlic
Ginger
0.0625 cup
Ginger
Turmeric
1 teaspoon
Turmeric
Seed, cumin
0.3333333333 tablespoon
Seed, cumin
Coriander
2 tablespoon
Coriander
Tomato
1 piece
Tomato
Vegetable broth
3 cup
Vegetable broth
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Salt
1 teaspoon
Salt
Lemon juice
3 teaspoon
Lemon juice
Chilli, red
1 piece
Chilli, red

Instructions

1

In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.

2

Add minced garlic, ginger, and grated ginger, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

3

Stir in the turmeric and cumin, cooking for an additional minute.

4

Add the red lentils, coconut milk, and 2 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil.

5

Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

6

Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Nutrition

420 kcal Calories
18 g Protein
52 g Carbohydrates
11 g Fiber
6 g Sugar
8 g Fat
1 g Saturated fat
0.9 g Salt

FAQ

Is Red Lentil Dahl with Spinach vegan and dairy-free?
Yes. It’s vegan and dairy-free as written (prepared with water or vegetable stock).
How much protein does a serving provide?
About 12–18 g, depending on portion size and exact ingredients.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes—naturally gluten-free, provided you don’t add gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes—reduce chili or garam masala, or add more cumin, coriander, or chili flakes to taste.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat gently.
What are the key ingredients?
Red lentils, spinach, onion, garlic, tomatoes or broth, oil, and warming spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala).
What should I serve it with?
Pair with wholesome grains like rice or quinoa, or with a greens-based side; optional dairy-free yogurt.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes—cook-and-freeze the dal for up to 2–3 months; thaw and reheat.
Is it suitable for kids or pregnant people?
Generally safe for most, but check for legume allergies; for pregnancy or medical concerns, consult a healthcare provider.

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