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Slow Cooker Coconut Tarka Dal
Nutritious, flavoursome and a great veggie options for a main.
SERVES
4
CALORIES
283
COOKING TIME
4 hours
DIFFICULTY
simple
Packed with protein-rich lentils and infused with aromatic spices, this dish is full of nutrition and tastes so good. The subtle sweetness of coconut blends beautifully with the spices, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ideal for any time of the day. For more slow cooker recipes like this pick up a copy of my latest cookbook Slow Cooker Even Easier.
Can you make tarka dal in a slow cooker?
Making tarka dal in the slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to get a rich, comforting dish with minimal effort. The slow cooking allows the lentils to become perfectly soft and creamy, and the flavours to develop deeply over time.
What kind of lentils are best for coconut tarka dal?
For a classic coconut tarka dal, split red lentils (masoor dal) work best. They cook down beautifully in the slow cooker and absorb the coconut and spice flavours really well.
Is this coconut tarka dal recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes – this recipe is fully vegetarian. To make it vegan, just ensure any yoghurt toppings or extras used are plant-based.
Can I use tinned coconut milk?
Absolutely. Full-fat tinned coconut milk gives the dal its creamy texture and rich flavour. Light coconut milk can be used for a lower-calorie option, but the texture may be thinner.
Can I batch-cook this dal and freeze it?
Yes – this is a great vegetarian recipe for batch cooking. Coconut tarka dal freezes really well. Let it cool, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just defrost and reheat when needed.
What can I serve with coconut tarka dal?
This dal pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, warm naan or chapatis, and a side of pickled onions or a refreshing cucumber raita.
Can I cook this on high or low in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this dal on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The slow cook time allows the lentils to soften perfectly while the flavours deepen and develop beautifully.
More slow cooker vegetarian dishes to try
Here are more delicious vegetarian dishes to try…
- Slow Cooker Creamy Butternut Squash & Lemon Linguine
- Slow Cooker Black Lentil Dahl
- Slow Cooker Potato & Leek Soup
Method
Step 1
Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker with 1 litre of water or vegetable stock. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Step 2
Once the lentils are cooked and the dal has thickened, season with salt and pepper and serve. I personally like to serve this slow cooker dish with rice, but you could serve with rotis or flatbreads if preferred.
Ingredients
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp garlic and ginger paste
1 tsp ground coriander
8–10 curry leaves
250g red split lentils
400ml tin of coconut milk
