Black Lentil Curry
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This black lentil curry is everything a curry should be: warming, rich, and creamy with subtle earthy and nutty notes, and downright delicious! This black lentil recipe is reminiscent of the dal makhani from your favorite Indian restaurant ā but we swap out the hefty amounts of butter and heavy cream for the velvety richness of coconut milk. The result is a simple-to-make and luscious curry that's packed with flavor!
Luscious lentil curries are on the menu! Make this coconut lentil curry next.
When you're craving a bowl of warming comfort food, nothing hits the mark quite like a good curry. This black lentil curry uses simple and wholesome ingredients, with flavorful spices and a creamy, rich base. What sets this recipe apart is that it utilizes black lentils and black chickpeas, which have a flavor and texture that is just perfect for curries!
What are black lentils?
As it turns out, not all lentils are created equal! While this is a black lentil curry recipe, there are multiple types of black lentils. You might have heard of black beluga lentils (we use them in this coconut lentil soup recipe.) This black lentil recipe calls for Sabut Urad dal, Kaali dal, or Black Gram. While they share similarities, they are not exactly the same when it comes to texture or taste.
This black lentil recipe calls for lentils with a mild, nutty flavor that have a creamy texture when cooked, making them perfect for curries. Beluga lentils are small and round and maintain a firm, al dente texture after cooking, so the final result is less creamy. Urad dal have a shiny, smooth appearance and can be found in split form, either with the black skin on or removed. If the skin is removed, the lentils will look white in color, so don't worry if the label and color don't match, it just means the skin has been removed. Either version is fine for this recipe, and the skin is safe to consume.
So where do you find them? Check among the lentils at your supermarket. You'll usually find them with the Indian foods in the international food section. Or you can try an Indian specialty store, or purchase them online.
Ingredients needed
Once you have your black lentils, the rest of the ingredients are curry staples. This is what you need:
- Black chickpeas:Ā Also known as kala channa or bengel gram, these are smaller than regular chickpeas and brown in color, and have a slightly nuttier and earthier flavor.
- Coconut oil:Ā To sautĆ©. You can use a neural-flavored oil instead if you prefer.
- Onion:Ā Adds a sweet undertone.
- Ginger and garlic:Ā The aromatic base, providing savory and zesty depth.
- Spices: Cumin seeds, ground coriander, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, chili powder, and sea salt bring a blend of earthy, warm flavors.
- Tomatoes:Ā Gives the curry more substance, with a slightly tangy and sweet flavor.
- Coconut milk: The velvety base of the black lentil curry, so you can enjoy the richness without the loads of butter and heavy cream.
How to make black lentil curry
Once you simmer and soften the lentils and chickpeas, add them to an easy-to-make curry base, then bring it all together! Follow these simple steps:
- Legume prep: Soak the lentils and chickpeas for 2-12 hours, then freshen the water before turning up the heat until the chickpeas are soft.
- Make the curry: SautƩ the onion, then add everything else in stages. First, the ginger and garlic, then the spices, the tomatoes, and then the lentils and chickpeas. Stir, then let it simmer together for 20 minutes.
- Finish it off: Use a spoon to mash the lentils together before finally stirring in the coconut milk. Simple!
What to serve with black lentil curry
Enjoy this with some naan or roti over a bed of warming rice, with a spoonful of yogurt and some fresh cilantro sprinkled over top! You can take the rice in a few directions:
- Golden Turmeric Rice
- Basmati Rice
- Coconut Rice
- Ginger Rice
- Cauliflower Rice for a low carb version.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other lentils or chickpeas?
Sure! While we love the flavors that come from using the black variety, the flavors will still work with another variety of lentils. The cooking times may vary, so refer to the label. If you use a lentil that has a very firm texture, you can always give it a blend, should you want to achieve a creamier consistency. If you cannot find black chickpeas and decide to use regular chickpeas from a can, note that you will not need to cook them.
How do I store leftovers?
This is one recipe that tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to four months ā thaw it in the fridge a day before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of water, as it will thicken in the fridge. It will reduce if you boil it, so reheat it on a gentle simmer.
Can I add some vegetables to the curry?
Sure thing! Feel free to add whatever vegetables you love, or what's left in the fridge. Our top picks include potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or spinach.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, feel free to play with the amount of spice. If you like it less spicy, omit or lessen the amount of chili powder. If you want to turn the heat up, add some more, or use chilies or chili flakes.
Black Lentil Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried whole urad dal (black lentils)
- Ā¼ cup dried black chickpeas (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 large onion (finely minced)
- 2 inch piece ginger (finely minced)
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds and ground coriander
- 3 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon EACH: garam masala and curry powder
- Ā½ teaspoon EACH: turmeric and chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 15 ounce can coconut milk
Instructions
- Place the urad dal and black chickpeas in a pot and cover with a few inches of water. Set aside to soak for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.1 cup dried whole urad dal, Ā¼ cup dried black chickpeas
- Drain the water from the pot and add fresh water. Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook until the chickpeas are soft, about 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Add the cumin seeds and coriander to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring often, until the oil begins to glisten, about 5 minutes.1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1 large onion, 2 inch piece ginger, 4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons cumin seeds and ground coriander, 3 medium tomatoes
- Add 1 cup of water, the garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and the cooked urad lentils and black chickpeas to the pan and stir. Bring the pot to a boil then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.1 teaspoon EACH: garam masala and curry powder, Ā½ teaspoon EACH: turmeric and chili powder, 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Using the back of a spoon, mash a few of the lentils. Stir in the coconut milk and heat through. Taste and add more salt if you'd like.15 ounce can coconut milk
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our curry recipes and our lentil recipes!
Ha, loved the “Indian argument” story. and yes I know exactly how that would have gone down. Silly white people know nothing! I was told the same when I made the mistake of commenting on some Indian history.
Any way, love the recipe and the idea of adding coconut was great, like a Southern Indian version of Dal Makhani. I made it for a vegan mate of mine and he loved it..
Hahaha well I’m happy to hear I’m not the only one!!
This was delicious! I used coconut milk yogurt that I made (too runny to eat as yogurt)…but yum in this.
I’m so happy you liked it!!
thank you very much <3
You’re so welcome!
I found the beluga lentils in a health food store and made this recipe tonight. It is absolutely amazing! My new favourite lentil dish.
That’s so great to hear!
We just moved to a new area and while looking around, found an Indian grocery. We bought black lentils on a whim. I searched for recipes and found this one – it is simmering away right now making the house smell yummy! We canāt wait to eat tonight!
It was meant to be! Don’t you just love it when that happens?!!
So yum! We left out the chilli so it would be mild for the kids and we all loved it. – so flavoursome and deliciously creamy. Will definitely be making again, thank you!
just realised I used 15oz coconut cream instead of milk – no wonder it was creamy haha
I bet it was even better!!
Just made this and boy oh boy is it tasty! Mine turned out a bit looser than I expected but still very very good. This one’s a keeper!
I’m so happy you liked it!
Do you mean 1/2 inch of ginger or really 2 inches? thank you. I love lentil, and want to try your reciepe soon!!
Nope … a full 2″ piece. Nice and gingery. š
I made this recipe today and it didn’t turn out. I followed the recipe exactly although I didn’t use chick peas or the coconut milk. There was something strong in there that we didn’t like – maybe the coriander seed? not sure but was very disappointed.
Leaving out the coconut milk would have a big impact on the flavor of the dish. It’s one of the key components! You would definitely want to reduce the spices if you don’t use coconut milk.
this looks so tasty. I am so gonna try this. thanks for sharing this.
Lots of love!
You are so welcome! I hope you like the recipe as much as I do!
Delicious! I made it with a pack of precooked puy lentils so it took no time at all and they have a great consistency Natco sell canned kala chana which you can get in most asian supermarkets in East London š
I’m so happy you liked the recipe! And what a great time saving tip!
How long would you cook this in an instant pot? Thank you!
I’ve never cooked with an Instant Pot so I’m really not sure. I would look for an Instant Pot lentil recipe online and base the cooking time off of that. š
The way you have made this in the video is completely different to the recipe in the text. Which do you prefer?
The video is a different lentil curry recipe I have. (Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry) Both recipes are delicious!
This was delicious thank you!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Hooray!!
Hi Kristen! This curry looks so rich and creamy. I once bought a bag of black chickpeas on a whim and now I know what to do with them! Thanks for sharing š
That’s awesome! I do the same all the time – buy weird ingredients and then keep them in my pantry for ages. Hope you love the recipe as much as I do!
This is beautiful. I’ve eaten something similar to this (and loved it) but never knew it had a name. This recipe looks fantastic- I’m going to have to search down urad dal now!
Thanks, Allyson! It really is delicious. š