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Red split lentil or dhal curry in a pan topped with dried chilies

The Creamiest, Spiciest Sri Lankan Dhal Curry

Servings 4
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Dhal (Red split lentils) washed about 3 times
  • 2 cups Water
  • 3 cups Coconut milk
  • 1/2 Red Onion
  • 1/2 Jalapeno or 1 serrano pepper / thai chilli
  • 3 Garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp Coconut oil

Roasted Seasonings

  • 5 Dry chillies
  • 1 tbsp Mustard seeds
  • 1 tbsp Chillie powder

Curry Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Chillie powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric

Instructions

  • Heat coconut oil in a pan and add chopped onion, garlic and chillies
  • Sautee for 5 mins until onions are slightly browned
  • Add the dry chillies and mustard seeds to the pan (Roasted Seasoning)
  • Cook for 5 mins until mustard seeds start popping
  • Add 1 tbsp of chillie powder and cook for 30 seconds - 1 min. DO NOT cook for more time or chillie powder will get burnt
  • Add the washed dhal, coconut milk, water and all seasoning under "Curry Seasoning"
  • Cover pan and cook for 10 mins
  • Open cover and cook for 10-15 mins, stirring constantly, until the curry thickens
Cost: $1
Course: dinner, lunch
Cuisine: SriLankan
Keyword: coconut milk curry recipes, curry meals under $5, easy lentil curry recipe