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004: MICROWAVE RED LENTILS

Recipe of the Day

Microwave Red Lentils — Simple Healing Dal

Prep Time: 2 min
Cook Time: 12–15 min (plus 2 min rest)
Serves: 1–2 bowls
Note: Zero-chop • One bowl • Apartment-friendly

🍲 Why This Works

Red lentils (masoor dal) cook fast and creamy without any chopping. This is a gentle, protein-rich bowl you can make alongside microwave basmati rice for a complete, soothing meal.

🛒 Ingredients (No Chopping)

  • ½ cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
  • 1½ cups water (use 1¾ cups for a soupier dal)
  • ¼ tsp turmeric
  • ¼–½ tsp salt (to taste)
  • Optional: ¼ tsp cumin powder or a pinch cumin seeds
  • Optional: ⅛–¼ tsp mild chili powder or chili flakes
  • Optional finish: 1 tsp ghee or olive oil + squeeze of lemon; spoon of Greek yogurt

🔥 Steps (Microwave Method)

  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine rinsed lentils, water, turmeric, and salt.
    (Use a big bowl to prevent boil-over; you can set a plate underneath just in case.)
  2. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe plate or vented lid.
  3. Microwave on HIGH for 6 minutes. Carefully stir.
  4. Microwave again on HIGH for 6–9 minutes, until lentils are soft and creamy-looking.
  5. Rest 2 minutes; whisk or stir vigorously to your preferred texture (chunky or smooth).
  6. Optional temper-in-bowl: Stir in cumin powder (or a pinch of seeds), chili, and ghee/olive oil.
    Finish with lemon. Taste and adjust salt.

Serve with microwave basmati rice. Add a spoon of Greek yogurt or a hard-boiled egg on the side for extra protein.

📜 Lore & Context

Dal is the humble heart of Indian kitchens—from home thalis to temple meals. Masoor (red) cooks the quickest,
turning silky without long simmering. This modern microwave version keeps the soul of dal while cutting the effort to almost zero.

🔁 Batch & Store

  • Makes 1–2 hearty bowls. Double easily; keep the same ratios.
  • Fridge 3–4 days. It thickens as it cools—thin with water when reheating.

📊 Scoring

  • Ease: 100/100 — One bowl, no chopping
  • Healing: 95/100 — Gentle spices, soothing protein
  • Flavor: 92/100 — Clean, comforting; brighten with lemon/ghee
  • Fuel: 94/100 — Protein + complex carbs when paired with rice
  • Total: 95/100

Tip: For thicker dal, use 1¼–1⅓ cups water; for soupier, use up to 1¾ cups.

Affirmation: Simple food, steady strength. Each bowl restores my body and calm.

Zero-chop • One-bowl microwave • Gentle spices • Complete meal with rice

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