I’ve been making variations on this recipe forever. Sometimes I change it up with other spices or different types of lentils/pulses, but the core remains as one of my weeknight dinner go-to’s. I love how it checks off all of those crucial boxes: easy, quick, economical, comforting and so, so good for you. I think there’s just the right amount of things to keep it interesting too. The little cubes of sweet potatoes still have a bit of bite. The leeks are sweet and bring that fragrant hit of coconut oil. It’s a vibrant and easy thing to keep us in the light this time of year.
Of course dal is a staple meal in India, where it originates from. Dal simply refers to dried legumes, and also a thick purée made with those legumes. I recommend reading The How and Why of Dal from The New York Times to learn a bit more about this perfectly simple, naturally vegan comfort food.
I have a hunch that a lot of us are thinking about changes and things we want to take on, either over the holiday break or into the new year. I know there will be some major ones in my house. I’m not really a juice fast kinda gal anymore, but my partner and I have both acknowledged that we need to focus-up some of our habits in terms of health and well being. Cue the easy but wholesome recipes! Make this sweet potato dal next time you’re in the mood for just that ;)
Ginger Sweet Potato Dal with Coconut Leeks
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Dal
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon black mustard seeds
- pinch of chili flakes
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and small diced
- 1 two-inch piece ginger, peeled and minced
- 1 one-inch piece fresh turmeric (or substitute 1 tsp dried turmeric powder)
- 3½ cups water, plus extra if necessary
- sea salt to taste
Coconut Leeks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
- 1 medium leek, white and light green part julienned
- squeeze of lime juice
- pinch of salt
To Serve
- cooked warm rice
- flatbread
- chopped parsley, cilantro or mint (or a combination)
- black sesame seeds, for garnish (incredibly optional)
Notes
- Every recipe I’ve read for dal tells you to add the salt at a different time (to avoid toughness or the lentils breaking down too soon etc). I add a solid pinch at the beginning when I pour the water and then adjust it at the end to my liking.
Instructions
- Place a large pot over medium heat. Heat up the coconut oil in the pot and add the ground coriander, mustard seeds and chili flakes. Stir about until the mustard seeds start to pop just a little bit.
- Add the lentils, diced sweet potato, ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Stir the whole mixture to combine/coat in oil. Add the filtered water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the mixture is creamy and soupy, stirring occasionally. The sweet potato pieces should still be intact with a tiny bit of bite. The lentils will be broken down, filling out the mixture, about 25 minutes or so. Add more water if you need to. Keep it warm while you sauté the leeks.
- Heat the coconut oil in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the leeks to the pan and sauté until leeks are soft and very fragrant. Season with salt. Add a squeeze of lime if you like. Remove from the heat.
- To serve: divide the hot dal over 4 portions of rice. Top the dal with sautéed leeks and a few dribbles of the coconut oil left in the pan. Garnish each serving with the chopped herbs and black sesame seeds.
I like to go for a run at night when all is quiet and peaceful for self care
This is my kind of meal. It looks absolutely perfect.
I’m not eligible for the giveaway, but I’ll chime in anyway. I can identify with eating healthy most of the time (like, really healthy in comparison to most people I know), but feeling like it’s not focused or conscious enough (maybe because I broke down and ordered a pizza this week?). Looking forward to more posts on that, as I turn the big 3-0 this year as well!
Oh wow this looks so delicious! Just showed this to my partner and we are both drooling! This has to happen in my kitchen soon!!
{Teffy’s Perks} X
The best self-care for me has to involve laughing – I sometimes need call my sister for some giggle/self-care therapy. Thank you for creating this wonderful blog!
Self care I go to hot yoga or take a relaxing epson salt bath with candles & soft music.
I made this for dinner tonight :) Exactly what I wanted! Bonus – picked up some naan from the indian restaurant to make it even more comforting for this freezing cold night! Thanks!!!
I schedule time for Christmas movies on the couch with the hubby. Gets us in the spirit, while keeping us from being Grinches. ;)
For self care I’ve been starting my mornings with a smoothie made from kale, frozen berries, almond milk and a bit of protein powder. I’ve been trying to walk more and have been keeping track of my steps and sleeping patterns with my Jawbone Up.
At this busy time of year, I make sure to go to a weekly yoga class, as well as putting aside a little time every night to read the novel on my bedside table!
Made this tonight and I licked the bowl clean. Don’t be afraid to try this- it’s officially a weeknight regular on my meal planner. This dish is good for the soul. Thank you!
I like to sit back with a glass of red wine for a little self care and relaxation.
I will definitely try this dal recipe very soon. During stressful times, I try to get outdoors for a run or at least a brisk walk. Healthy eating helps as well. Susi.
This dal looks so blissfully orange and warming! You have to love it. Also, as the proud owner of something like six leeks, I am looking forward to the coconut leeks especially! I’m not Canadian, so best of luck to the winner!
This past year I’ve been struggling with eczema and trying a bunch of methods to soothe my skin, one of them being eating better. I find it very rewarding to spend time alone in the kitchen or at my computer, search for and discovering new recipes or new takes on old recipes. I’ve really cleaned up some of my favourite foods and I love discovering new ways of making a food I’ve always eaten even better for me!
For me this kitchen-therapy has been a two fold for self-care, feeding my body and my soul=)
I practice self-care through my woodworking. I love getting lost in the details.
I am so looking forward to making this dal! But first, time on the floor with my 7 collies, that’s right, just 7 and then, why of course, a bubble bath, then more time on the floor with our collies. Bliss, sweet bliss!
I love to bake for self-care. Following the structure of a recipe when everything else around me is hectic helps to calm me down.
I would love to win
This post is gorgeous — and I especially loved all your links at the end, you’ve been busy girl! That interview was fun to read through, I love your philosophy and outlook and overall personality, and wish I could go grab a cup of coffee with you! Have a great weekend – xo
That recipe looks deeelicious! During this time of year I try to maintain my physical and mental health by getting good rest, fitting snuggle time in with my man and guinea piggies, and by going to the gym regularly. Bean and veggie soup is also a great pick-me-up. :)
Sweet potato dals have always been one of my favourite base recipes; thanks for a gorgeous variation.
Self-care for me is returning home to St. Catharines, waking up before the rest of my family, brewing a pot of coffee and heading out for a run in the Escarpment. And then warming up with a cup of said coffee and chatting with my mom on the couch upon return :)
What amazing colours just beautiful.I need to use more fresh tumeric.
I get together with friends and family as much as possible, because being together is what really makes this season festive!
I am actually not taking very good care of myself right now. I am mentally exhausted. I try to take baths though and read and I just recently bought a relaxation meditation for mindfullness cd that I need to be listening to.
Thank you for that recipe. I am starting to experiment with legumes. It looks really good!
Self care can be tough. I took an unusual twist on it this year. I am completing tasks super early. All my shopping and wrapping is already completed. I still need to clean and decorate – and that will be done tomorrow.
That means I get to relax in the lead up to Christmas – it’s a pretty amazing gift to me! LOL
I will be enjoying glasses of wine on the sofa with a kitty on my lap. I will borrow my BFFs dog and take her for walks. My hubby and I will go for a drive out to our favourite cidery for drink, dinner and convo and we simply won’t be stressed! Who knew this could be possible?
Eeek! I was just recipe dreaming about sweet potatoes and lentils but hadn’t yet figured out how to go about it. So excited to give this a try! I’m Niagara-bound for the holidays so I’ll put in my two cents on self-care: cooking, playing piano, curling up with a good book, and getting as much as exercise outside as possible!
There are so many ways I practice self-care as we near the holidays; hot tea, freshly baked snacks, and relaxing on the sofa. I think the most important one for me (which is harder to actually do) is getting in that cardio as well!
The store was out of leeks. Do you think Bok choi would be a fine substitute?
Laura: Hi Marlee, I just use leeks because I like the mild, sweet onion-ish flavour they provide. I would go for thin slices of a sweeter onion, such as vidalia, and just sauté them a bit longer in the coconut oil. Just until they’re a bit soft. Shallots would work too! Or even some chopped up green onions/chives sprinkled on top of the dal at the end would be fine.
Food looks very yummy and easy to assemble.
I practice self care by standing on my porch and taking deep breaths Inhale-taking in all the world is offering me and Exhale out all negative thoughts I put on myself. Curling up with a good book and calming tea helps too. Thanks great giveaway getaway.
My favorite self care routine is to attend my Pilates class regularly! I always feel centred and energized after a work out. I adore the Oban Inn!
Taking time to cook, go for extra long walks and getting some solid cardio!
I practice self-care by getting a CSA box most weeks which encourages me to eat whole, healthy foods and experiment with new recipes without even having to head to the grocery store…plus it feels good to buy local and eat seasonal foods!
Diggin this so hard! Girl, your photos are always on point annnd I need some of those reusable bags, stat. Self care usually comes in the form of pizza, cat cuddles and lots of tv.
Making time for daily exercise and making lots of the recipes from your blog helps keep me trued this time of year! And the occasional jacuzzi tub beer doesn’t hurt either. ;)
What kind of rice was prepared in this recipe?
Laura: Hi Patricia, I used black japonica rice from Lundberg, which can be found here. I bought a big bag at my local Costco.
Thanks for this yummy recipe!
How do I practice self-care? By sitting on my cushion as often as I can to meditate, whether for 3 or 30 minutes, no matter. I also just signed up for a 3-day silent treat over NY’s. A gift to myself where I create space to reflect on the past year and let it go, and ground myself for the year ahead. Yum. :-)
Looks delicious! This time of year, I’m taking care by slowing down and cooking something everyday (the soba noodle soup was great). I used to waitress in NOTL, so this giveaway sounds fantastic!!
My simple, go-to meals never look quite this pretty. Definitely need to try this!
I do tai chi and draw. I also bake bread.
What a fabulous giveaway! My husband grew up in Ontario’s wine country also and my in-laws still live there. I would love to win this prize and spend a night at the Oban Inn!
This time of year, it’s essential for me to practise self-care by sticking to my exercise routine – that means making it to the gym as much as possible, even if it means stopping there on my way to a family get-together. It makes a world of difference both physically and emotionally.
Happy holidays!
Isn’t dal the best and red lentils are delicious! I love the flavors you used in this recipe, it reminded me of all the good things that make it so comforting. By the way, where did you get that little bowl, it is beautiful?
Laura: Hey Nik, thanks so much! The bowl is from a Canadian book/gift store chain called Indigo. Although I’m not sure if they sell that particular one anymore. Link’s here anyway!
I’m a pediatric nurse, so self-care is hugely important, and sandwiched in between 12 hour shifts and all the other things I have on my to-do list. It usually involves a long run or yoga, but equally as often, a glass of wine and a netflix marathon. Plus I never say no to a little chocolate!
a nice calming morning coffee or a refreshing run!
Wow… i often make dal w/ red lentils, so comforting and warming and filling. But I’ve never thought of adding sweet potatoes to the mix!!!! Think i got dinner covered! My self-care these days is subbing herbal teas istead of my morning coffe durring the week(coffee makes me go nutts in so many ways its not even funny! But sooo good!!!) and treating myself to one single delish flavored (hommemade coconut milk creamers!) on sunday mornings!
This looks perfect for dinner any night! One question…the “carrot” bit of the recipe is missing? Thanks!
Hey Carol! That was a teeny mistake. I originally planned to do this as a sweet potato AND carrot dal, but changed my mind last second. All fixed now. Good eye on that :)
-L
What an incredible combination of flavors! I always think dal looks so good- but I am allergic to lentils! Anything you can think of that would make a substitution?
Laura: Hey Michelle, Can you eat dried split peas? That would be the easiest one-for-one substitution. Otherwise, some par-cooked little cannelini beans might be do-able. You would have to adjust and play around with the water amount though.
-L
There is so much goodness in this post that gives the means to practice self care – warming comfort to, easy go-to meals to take the stress off, cookies, and of course wine. with the snow this morning this is all i want to eat! xo
During this busy time, I practice self-care by granting myself daily “me time” (exercise, meditation, and reading a good book).
This plate is sunshine in a winter and grey day! Sweet potatoes are not so common here in Italy, but luckily they are almost alway present in my organic food store…and I love them so much!