Mexican dhal

vegetarian mexican indian

🌶️ Spicy Potato Dhal with Guajillo, Ancho & Chipotle

One-Pot • Mexican–Indian Fusion • Serves 2–3

🥘 Ingredients

Lentils & Potatoes

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled & diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or add to puree)
• 1–2 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tomato, chopped (or add to puree)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1.5 tsp ground coriander
• 1–2 tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp crushed chilli flakes
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1–2 tbsp oil
• 3–3.5 cups water
• 1 tsp salt, adjust to taste

Mexican Chilli Puree

• 1 guajillo chilli, destemmed & deseeded
• ½–1 ancho chilli, destemmed & deseeded
• ½–1 chipotle chilli in adobo, chopped
• Hot water (for soaking)

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Mexican chilli puree

1. Heat a dry pan over medium heat.
2. Toast the guajillo and ancho pieces for 10–15 seconds per side until fragrant.
3. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with hot water.
4. Soak for 10 minutes until soft.
5. Add the softened chillies to a blender with:
   • 2–3 tbsp soaking liquid
   • The chipotle
   • (Optional) garlic and tomato for a smoother base
6. Blend until very smooth.
7. Set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics

1. Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add ginger and cook 30 seconds.
4. If not blended into the puree, add garlic and tomato and cook a minute more.

3. Fry the Mexican chilli puree

1. Pour the chilli puree into the pot.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until it darkens and thickens slightly.

4. Add the Indian spices

Add and cook for 30–45 seconds:

• Turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Chilli powder
• Crushed chilli flakes
• Black pepper

5. Add potatoes, lentils, and water

1. Add diced potatoes and rinsed lentils.
2. Pour in 3–3.5 cups water.
3. Add salt.
4. Stir well.

6. Simmer

1. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
2. Simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
   • Lentils are creamy
   • Potatoes are soft
3. Add extra water if needed to adjust thickness.

7. Finish

1. Stir in garam masala.
2. Adjust salt.
3. Optional toppings:
   • A squeeze of lemon
   • Fresh coriander
   • Drizzle of chilli oil for extra heat

🍲✨ Done!

A warming dhal with a smoky, spicy, Mexican twist thanks to guajillo, ancho, and chipotle.