Indian · serves 2

Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry

Five dals, cauliflower and fried paneer in one pot. A Sunday kind of dinner.

60 min A proper cook Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp chana dal
  • 2 tbsp moong dal
  • 2 tbsp masoor dal
  • 2 tbsp chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp black-eyed beans
  • 200g cauliflower florets
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 5 shallots, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 200g paneer, cubed
  • 4 tbsp ghee
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 6 dried red chillies
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp grated coconut
  • 1 inch ginger
  • 1/4 cup coriander leaves

Method

  1. Soak all the dals and beans together for 6 hours, then pressure cook with salt until soft.
  2. Grind garlic, chillies, coriander seeds, cumin, coconut and ginger to a paste.
  3. Fry the shallots in ghee 3 minutes, add cauliflower for one more, then the paste. Fry 3 minutes until it smells cooked.
  4. Pour in the dal with the tomato puree, simmer 5 minutes.
  5. Fry the paneer cubes separately until golden and add at the end so they keep their edge.
  6. Coriander and a squeeze of lemon.

Questions people ask about Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry

How long does Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry take?

About 60 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of paneer in Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry?

Use firm tofu, pressed dry first, or halloumi if you cut the salt elsewhere. Both hold shape better than paneer, so add them a minute later.

Can I make Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need a pressure cooker for Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry?

A cooker is faster but not essential. In an open pot, expect roughly three times the cooking time and keep an eye on the water level, topping up with hot water rather than cold.

What do you serve with Mixed Lentil and Vegetable Curry?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Misal Pav
50 min · A proper cook
Kadhi Pakora
50 min · A proper cook
Lauki Kofta
50 min · A proper cook
Dahi Vada
50 min · A proper cook
Baked Samosa
50 min · Some work
Tomato Timbales
50 min · A proper cook