Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal

Highlighted under: Quick Healthy Recipes

A vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the earthy flavors of lentils, the crunch of red cabbage, and the creaminess of coconut milk.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-25T20:14:27.291Z

This Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of red cabbage and cauliflower adds both nutrition and a beautiful color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A colorful and nutritious dish packed with vitamins
  • Creamy coconut milk adds a rich flavor
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

The Nutritional Powerhouse

Red cabbage is not only visually striking but also loaded with nutrients. It contains antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and even has anti-inflammatory properties. When paired with the protein-rich red lentils, this dish offers a complete meal that supports overall health and wellness. The combination of these ingredients ensures that you’re feeding your body the essential nutrients it craves.

Cauliflower adds to the nutritional profile, providing fiber and a host of vitamins. It’s a versatile vegetable that can absorb flavors beautifully, making it a perfect companion to the spices and creamy coconut milk in this dhal. Together, the red cabbage and cauliflower create a symphony of textures and flavors that make this dish both satisfying and delicious.

Coconut Milk: The Creamy Delight

Coconut milk is a star ingredient in this recipe, contributing a rich, creamy texture that elevates the entire dish. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds healthy fats that can help keep you feeling full. This makes the Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal an excellent choice for those looking for a comforting yet nutritious meal.

In addition to its flavor and texture, coconut milk carries its own set of health benefits. It's known to support heart health and can even boost your metabolism. By incorporating coconut milk into your cooking, you’re not just indulging in creamy goodness; you’re also adding a healthful component to your meals.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal is an excellent option for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator and can last for several days, making it easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner during a busy week. The flavors only get better as they meld together, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of daily cooking.

Simply prepare a larger batch, portion it into containers, and you’ll have a nutritious meal ready to go. Pair it with some rice or quinoa for a complete dish. This recipe not only simplifies your meal planning but also ensures that you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 medium cauliflower, chopped
  • 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Dhal:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add Spices and Lentils

Stir in the turmeric and cumin seeds, cooking for an additional minute. Add the red lentils and stir to combine.

Incorporate Vegetables

Add the chopped cauliflower and shredded red cabbage to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and 2 cups of water. Season with salt.

Cook the Dhal

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Serve

Once cooked, remove from heat and stir well. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal!

Serve hot with rice or bread for a wholesome meal.

Tips for Customization

Feel free to customize this dhal to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a chopped chili or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. This dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to make it your own.

For those who prefer a thicker consistency, simply reduce the amount of water you add. Alternatively, for a soupier version, increase the liquid. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, making it an ideal canvas for your culinary creativity.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal pairs beautifully with a side of basmati rice or warm naan. The combination creates a balanced meal that is both hearty and satisfying. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of lime juice for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Don’t forget about the garnishes! Fresh cilantro not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the flavor profile. Consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds on top for an extra crunch. These finishing touches will elevate your dish and impress your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of lentils?

Yes, you can use green or brown lentils, but cooking times may vary.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this dhal?

Yes, it freezes well. Just thaw and reheat before serving.

Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal

A vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the earthy flavors of lentils, the crunch of red cabbage, and the creaminess of coconut milk.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Quick Healthy Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup red lentils
  2. 1 medium cauliflower, chopped
  3. 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
  4. 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
  5. 1 onion, diced
  6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  7. 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  8. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  9. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  10. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  11. Salt to taste
  12. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Step 02

Stir in the turmeric and cumin seeds, cooking for an additional minute. Add the red lentils and stir to combine.

Step 03

Add the chopped cauliflower and shredded red cabbage to the pot. Pour in the coconut milk and 2 cups of water. Season with salt.

Step 04

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Step 05

Once cooked, remove from heat and stir well. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Red Cabbage Cauliflower Coconut Dhal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 10g