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Savory Indian Moringa Leaf Dal with Coconut

Name: Savory Indian Moringa Leaf Dal with Coconut
Prep time: 23 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 93 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Yellow Moong Dal, 1 cup, rinsed and drained; Water, 4 cups; Fresh Moringa Leaves, 2 cups, washed and stems removed; Coconut Milk, 1 cup; Coconut Oil, 2 tbsp; Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp; Cumin Seeds, 1 tsp; Onion, finely chopped, 1 large; Tomatoes, diced, 2; Garlic, minced, 3 cloves; Ginger, grated, 1-inch piece; Green Chilies, sliced, 1-2; Turmeric Powder, 1/2 tsp; Salt, to taste; Ghee, 2 tbsp; Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp; Asafoetida, 1/2 tsp; Curry Leaves, 5-6

This vibrant and healthy dal combines moringa leaves with creamy coconut, creating a luscious dish that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

4.2(635 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 31, 2025

Savory Indian Moringa Leaf Dal with Coconut — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

23 min

Cook

1 h 10 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

Dal Base

Curry

Tempering

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 359 kcal
Protein: 10.7 g
Carbs: 25 g
Fat: 25.8 g
Fiber: 7.6 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1434 kcal
Protein: 42.7 g
Carbs: 99.9 g
Fat: 103 g
Fiber: 30.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Yellow Moong Dal 1 cup, rinsed and drained	347	25	59	1.2	15.4
Water 4 cups	0	0	0	0	0
Fresh Moringa Leaves 2 cups, washed and stems removed	30	6	4	0.6	2
Coconut Milk 1 cup	445	5	6	48	5
Coconut Oil 2 tbsp	234	0	0	26	0
Mustard Seeds 1 tsp	5	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.2
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp	8	0.4	0.9	0.5	0.2
Onion, finely chopped 1 large	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.9
Tomatoes, diced 2	44	2	10	0.5	2.4
Garlic, minced 3 cloves	13	0.6	2.7	0	0.2
Ginger, grated 1-inch piece	5	0.1	1	0	0.2
Green Chilies, sliced 1-2	12	0.6	2.8	0.2	1.4
Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp	4	0.1	0.8	0.2	0.5
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Ghee 2 tbsp	234	0	0	26	0
Mustard Seeds 1 tsp	5	0.3	0.4	0.3	0.2
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp	3	0.1	0.7	0.1	0
Curry Leaves 5-6	1	0	0.2	0	0.1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dal Base

1
Add Dal and Water
In a pot, add rinsed moong dal and water.
2
Bring to a Boil
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3
Cook Until Softened
Cook until the dal is softened, about 20-25 minutes.

Preparing the Curry

1
Heat Spices
Heat coconut oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2
Temper Seeds
Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to splutter.
3
Sauté Aromatics
Stir in onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chilies; sauté till the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Tip: Do not burn the garlic and ginger; it can turn the curry bitter. Pro Tip: A pinch of salt at the onion stage speeds up sautéing.

How to Make Savory Indian Moringa Leaf Dal with Coconut

Total time: 1 h 33 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Combining the Dal and Curry
Gradually mix the cooked dal into the curry mixture, stirring continuously.
2
Incorporating Coconut Milk
Once combined, pour in coconut milk, blending well.
3
Final Simmer
Add turmeric and salt, and let simmer for an additional 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.