Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dal is an easy and healthy freezer meal made in the crockpot with just 8 simple ingredients! On the table in 30 minutes.
Why is dal so gosh darn good and comforting?
It might be that this Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dal is made with fresh ginger and garlic to give it some depth. Or that a dash of fresh lime zest and a handful of curry powder gives it some zip. Or that it's made with saucy lentils and tender sweet potatoes that break down to form a thick and creamy dish.
Maybe it is even that it is waiting in the freezer, ready to save dinner in a pinch?
It is one of the easiest freezer meals I have come across. All you have to do is add 7 simple ingredients into a freezer bag and stash it away for a rainy day.
And when that rainy day comes, a splash of broth and a cup of water is all it takes to get dinner started.
Plus, did I mention that this freezer meal is also crockpot friendly?! Just dump the contents of the bag into the crockpot, add in the liquid, and let it cook on low while you are away at work.
How to make Dal in the crockpot:
And you know how all crockpot recipes say to cook it for 8 hours on low. But who can actually make it to work, work a full day, take at least a 30 minute lunch, and commute home in exactly 8 hours before their crockpot dinner turns to mush? Anyone???
Well, this Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dahl can simmer in the crockpot all the way until you get home. Bonus points if you have a crockpot with a timer and a keep warm setting, but even on low, this dal will still taste delicious! If it has dried out a little bit, just add a splash of water and it will come right back to life.
And if you aren't a crockpot queen, or forget to get it started before heading out the door (how is this is me every time), this Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dahl can also be made on the stove. Is there anything she can't do?
Then, when it comes time to get dinner on the table, you have a few options. You can eat this dal like a soup, which is delicious. Or you can cook up some rice (perhaps while the dal simmering on the stove?) and serve the dal over the top.
Either way you serve it, a good squeeze of lime and some fresh cilantro really wake up the dish and add brightness to that deep and delicious cooked-all-day flavor.
What a dal.
PrintFreezer Meal: Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dal
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Red Lentil Sweet Potato Dhl is an easy and healthy freezer meal made in the crockpot with just 8 simple ingredients! On the table in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For freezing:
- 1 ½ cups red lentils
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, cut into bite sized cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lime
For cooking:
- 2 cups broth
- 1 cup water
For serving (optional):
- Lime wedges
- Rice
- Cilantro
Instructions
For freezing:
- Add all of the "freezing ingredients" into a freezer storage bag or lidded container. Place in the freezer for a rainy day.
For cooking:
- If you are using a crockpot, place the contents of the freezer bag into the pot. Add in the broth and water. Set to low for 8-9 hours.
- If you are using the stove, place the contents of the freezer bag into a large Dutch oven. Add the broth and water and cover. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dahl is warmed through, about 30 minutes.
For serving:
- Add a serving of rice to a bowl and top with the dahl. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and cilantro, if desired.
Sandra says
This sounds super easy and super tasty. Just one question though.
Are the red lentil cooked or dry before freezing?
Laurel says
Hi Sandra! Great question - the lentils are dry before freezing.
Emily says
Hi, what kind of curry powder do you use for this?
Also, just discovered your freezer meals! Been trying to incorporate more plant based meals and this makes it so easy!
Laurel Perry says
Hi Emily! It makes my day to hear you are enjoying the freezer meals! I may have to publish a few more soon! For the curry powder, I use a mild Indian curry powder like this one. Any Indian-style curry powder that you like should work :) Happy cooking!