18 dhal recipes

Easy dhal recipes

Tarka dhal

This classic dhal curry is flavoured with garlic, ginger, cumin and Kashmiri chilli, offering a punch of flavour that’s not too fiery.

Sabzi dhal

Combine frozen and fresh ingredients to make this wholesome one-pot dhal from Asma Khan, chef and owner of Darjeeling Express. It's a great way to use up leftovers.

Langarwali dhal

This hearty dark brown dhal is slightly lighter in flavour than the more well-known dhal makhani so often seen in north Indian restaurants. For the best dhal, soak the lentils overnight before cooking – they absorb more flavour when cooked the next day.

Sindhi dhal pakwan

Try this classic Sindhi breakfast – Sindhi dhal pakwan – sprinkled with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon.

Dhal with fried okra

This punchy dhal is flavoured with South Indian gunpowder spice blend and topped with crisp fried okra. It's a comforting vegetarian dish that can be served as a side or main meal.

Coconut dhal recipe with crispy paneer

A surprisingly low calorie dinner, with cubes of golden paneer on top of gently spiced dhal. Best eaten with lots of chapatis.

Chickpea dhal with naans

Make a batch of this vegetarian coconut dhal with easy homemade naans to feed a crowd or freeze for later. Plus instructions on how to make the dhal in a slow cooker. Many more slow cooker recipes here.

Maharashtrian amti dhal

Olive’s Indian cooking expert, Maunika Gowardhan, shares her recipe for a classic sweet and sour vegan dhal from Maharashtra.

Red lentil dhal soup

Looking for a vegan dhal recipe? Try our red lentil dhal soup with broccoli tarka. This easy recipe is perfect for a midweek winter warmer to feed the whole family, plus it's low in calories.

Chana dal recipe

Need some veggie inspiration for your next dinner party? Check out this wholesome dhal recipe from chef Karam Sethi at Indian restaurant, Brigadiers. It uses a mixture of yellow lentils and red lentils. More veggie entertaining recipes here.

Vegan coconut dhal

Want a quick and easy dhal? Try this super simple one, made from basic ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. The fried onions, curry leaves and mustard seeds make a colourful, crunchy topping. Serve with flatbreads, or as a side to a curry. Check out more of our quick and easy recipes here.

Butternut squash dhal with eggs and crispy onions

Brighten up your coconut dhal with butternut squash, soft boiled eggs and crispy onions - perfect for a warming midweek meal for four. Plenty more butternut squash recipes here.

Coconut rice with dhal

Packed with flavour you won't be missing the meat from this dhal recipe, it's full of protein and ready in 30 minutes. Check out our best coconut recipes here.

Octopus black lentil dhal

Impress guests at your next dinner party and make this flavoursome lentil dhal side to go with your curry. This octopus black lentil dhal comes from Neil Rankin's restaurant, Temper City. It may take a bit of time but it's definitely worth the effort. Discover more of our side dishes here.

Black dhal with paneer-stuffed naan

Lashings of butter and cream give this dhal the X-factor. The beans need time to soak, but once it’s in the oven it looks after itself. This moreish dhal will serve eight.

Dhal with coconut pollock

Chana dhal and lentils help make up this easy dhal dish with crispy coconut fish (pollock). Pollock makes a great more sustainable alternative to cod and it really works in this easy Southern Indian style coconut curry. Check out our best fish recipes here.

Yellow dhal and peanut soup with coriander

Ready in 50 minutes this wholesome dhal uses moong dal (yellow split mung beans). Moong dal are easy to cook as they don’t need prior soaking, serve this dal recipe with chopped peanuts for extra crunch.

How to make the perfect roti canai

Want to learn how to make the perfect roti to go alongside your warming dal? olive cookery writer Adam Bush shares his test kitchen secrets and techniques on how to make the classic crisp layered bread, roti canai. Super easy, super quick, all you need is a well-oiled surface!