How can I adjust the spice level of this dal?

You can easily control the heat by adding more or less chili flakes and curry powder to taste during the initial sauteing and again before serving.

What is the purpose of adding dates to this Spicy Butternut Dal?

Dates are included to provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory spices and the heat from the chili flakes, complementing the butternut squash.

Why are butternut seeds included in this recipe?

The butternut seeds are rinsed, toasted, and used as a crunchy garnish, adding texture and a nutty flavor contrast to the soft dal.

What can I use if I don't have tomato passata?

The recipe suggests using a 30-ounce jar of regular jarred tomatoes as an alternative if tomato passata is not available.

How should I store leftover Spicy Butternut Dal?

Store any leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3.2K Views 10 years ago

Spicy Butternut Dal
[Vegan]

JM By: Jenny Mustard

Author Bio

Minimalist recipes — less is always more! I am minimalist vegan Jenny Mustard – fashion blogger,... Read More

Build your own custom collections — save, add notes, customize and print!

Order with Instacart Download Our App

A vibrant bowl of Spicy Butternut Dal, rich with butternut squash and red lentils, topped with golden toasted butternut seeds.

For brands

Want to reach our audience?

Partner with One Green Planet →Not a brand? join our membership!

Discover more recipes with these ingredients

Spicy Butternut Dal [Vegan]

2024

Dairy Free

This spicy butternut dal is the perfect easy-to-make lunch. It begins with a medley of garlicky butternut squash, mushrooms, onions, lentil, and cabbage which is then topped with a rich red tomato passata. Serve with rice and garnish with butternut seeds for a dish that is filling without being heavy... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Spicy Butternut Dal [Vegan]

2 onions. chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4-6 dates (depending on size), chopped
1 cup Crimini mushrooms, quartered
1 small or 1/2 of 1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
Butternut seeds, rinsed
Curry powder, to taste
Chili flakes, to taste
1 tablespoon dried coriander or cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 30-ounce jar tomato passata or jarred tomatoes
1 1/4 cups red lentils, dried, not cooked, and rinsed
1 1/4 cups water
2 cups savoy cabbage, shredded

Build your own custom collections — save, add notes, customize and print!

Order with Instacart Download Our App

How to Prepare Spicy Butternut Dal [Vegan]

In a large pot, add the onion and garlic and sauté in a little bit of water for a few minutes. Add dates, mushrooms, butternut squash dices and tomato paste, and season with curry powder, chili flakes, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Start with a little bit of the spices, you can always add more later. Allow to sauté for a few minutes, until the tomato paste starts to dry and stick slightly to the bottom of the pot.
Add lentils, tomato passata, and about half of the water. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes, until the butternut squash and lentils are soft. Fold in the savoy cabbage and let cook with the dal the last few minutes. Add more water if needed, and give it a taste – adding more spices as you please.
While the dal simmers away, heat a pan to medium heat and toast the rinsed butternut seeds with a pinch of salt until lightly browned.
Serve the dal hot topped with butternut seeds.

Nutritional Information

Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.