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You are here: Home / Recipes / Recipes by Main Ingredient / Beans & Lentils / Courgette (Zucchini) Red Lentil Daal {Vegan & GF}

Courgette (Zucchini) Red Lentil Daal {Vegan & GF}

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Published on April 25, 2018 by Helen 39 Comments
Last Updated on September 2, 2020

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A round black cast iron dish contains golden courgette and lentil dal which is topped with fresh coriander. The table is set with a red and beige checked cloth and there are fresh red and green chillis, flatbreads and a bunch of coriander. Text overlay reads Zucchini and red lentil dal

Courgettes or zucchinis are a tasty addition to a classic daal, perfect served with roti flatbreads. Frugal, easy to make, healthy and delicious, this is an excellent way to use up a glut of home grown zucchinis! Vegan and naturally gluten free.

A dish of zucchini or courgette daal, on a red and white gingham napkin. Chilis in the foreground, lentils and a handful of coriander in the background.

Courgettes or zucchini: whatever you call them, if you or someone you know grows them you have a deep and abiding understanding of the concept of feast or famine. At the time of year when courgettes are in season, there’s no getting away from them: it’s courgette for breakfast, lunch and supper.

Yes, they’re delicious simply fried in butter and oil, but that does get to be a little same-y after a while. So we’re always looking for new ideas and this tasty courgette and red lentil daal is a great addition to the recipe collection.

Now, is it dal, dhal, dahl or daal? However you spell it this savoury lentil based dish is a delicious, spicy staple that’s easy to make. Next, there’s the dilemma of what to serve the daal with. I’ve been enjoying flatbreads made by the rotimatic automatic flatbread machine recently. To read more about our review of the rotimatic, scroll down.

Pink, yellow, green and white coloured rotis on a hessian cloth. A sprig of coriander in the background.

Make brightly coloured rotis by adding beetroot, turmeric or spinach powder.

Table of Contents

  •  How to make Courgette / Zucchini and Red Lentil Daal
  • Rotimatic Automatic Roti Maker Review
  • Five reasons we love our rotimatic.
  • Courgette and Red Lentil Daal
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes

 How to make Courgette / Zucchini and Red Lentil Daal

The ingredients for courgette daal, laid out: courgette, garlic, ginger, lemon, lentils, and spices.

First, fry the spices in a little oil until they’re just starting to give off that delicious fragrance.

A frying pan of spices, fried in oil. The first stage of making daal.

Second, stir in the lentils, making sure they’re well coated with spice and oil mixture.

Making daal: lentils are added to fried spices, and stirred in.

Third, add stock. Grate in the garlic and ginger and then simmer the daal for about 20 minutes. Add a little more stock if needed.

Grating fresh ginger into a frying pan of daal.

Fourth, add the diced zucchini or courgette and simmer for a further few minutes until the courgettes are cooked.

A frying pan of orange daal, topped with chopped courgette.

Finally, add a squeeze of lemon juice and serve.

Serve with our easy pilau rice or  spiced flatbread

Our top tip is to keep your ginger in the freezer, and grate it from frozen. No more worries about unused ginger going soft in the fridge!

Rotimatic Automatic Roti Maker Review

Bread machines have been around for a while now, but 25% of the world’s population eat flatbreads, so the usual machine that makes yeasted loaves isn’t much use. This is where the rotimatic comes in. It’s an all in one machine: flour, oil and water go in the top, and perfect rotis cooked from from scratch come out the bottom. The machine measures the ingredients, kneads, and rolls out the rotis before cooking them between two hotplates.

The rotimatic automatic flatbread maker.

The rotimatic is easy to control, and very adjustable. Rotis can be made to different thicknesses, cooked different amounts and with varying amounts of oil. It learns and improves the rotis the longer it’s in use.

At the moment, as well as rotis, it makes puri ready for cooking on the hob, and individual flatbread pizza bases ready for topping and baking in the oven.

A roti cooking in the rotimatic flatbread maker. One has been made already, and sits on the delivery tray for collection.Updates are released every three months: over the rest of the year, programs for tortillas (and also tacos), wraps, gluten free and millet flour are to be released, further increasing the versatility.

The machine connects to your wifi network, and is updated over the internet. This connection also means that rotimatic engineers can fix individual machines remotely. Also, on the rotimatic website, there is a counter showing how many rotis have been made world-wide, with the total standing currently at over sixteen million.

A rotimatic is an investment, with prices starting at US$999, but for those who eat a lot of rotis, (such as the person in the Facebook rotimatic group who’s mother made rotis for seven people, three times a day!), it’s a lifesaver. Think of all that time saved! Also, if you follow the link, you’ll be able to get $75 off your purchase when you order a machine.

The machine is 40cm (width) x 40cm (length) x 32 cm (height), and weighs 20kg so it is quite a sizeable machine. The rotis that come out are a bit smaller: about 13cm across and perfectly round.

As they come out of the machine, they’re still puffed up and very hot. Rip them in half and you can stuff them with the filling of your choice. They are light and soft.

Puris come out of the machine ready for frying in some vegetable oil. When the oil is hot enough, they puff up beautifully. Again, they’re light and soft.

A top down view of the rotimatic roti maker, laid out with some coloured rotis and a dish of courgette daal.

When considering the price, though, it has be remembered that by buying a rotimatic, you’re getting freshest rotis every time, at home. Just think of the savings compared to eating out, or the convenience and health benefits compared to making rotis from scratch everyday or ready meals.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. There are plenty of reviews of the rotimatic on their site. Have a look and see what others think!

Five reasons we love our rotimatic.

It’s so simple. Roti at any meal is is an easy decision: “Would you like a roti with that?” “Yes”. Switch it on, press the buttons and it starts heating up, and produces the first roti a few minutes later. In this climate, the flour, oil and water hoppers can be kept full without any problems. In more humid conditions, the hoppers can be kept in the fridge.

It’s versatile. As well as roti, it will make puri ready to be fried as soon as they emerge from the machine. With updates coming later this year, it will also make tortillas and wraps, and be able to use millet and gluten free flours.

Fancy a pizza? The rotimatic also makes small yeasted pizza bases, all ready for topping and baking.

And we can vary the roti as well. Add spices for a masala, or spinach and onion powder for tasty flavoured roti.  For fun coloured rotis add beetroot, spinach or turmeric powders.

It’s easy to clean. The regular cleaning process takes few minutes; the dirtiest items (the two halves of the kneading cup) can go in the dishwasher. An occasional deeper clean takes only a little longer.

Coloured rotis in front of the rotimatic roti making machine.

We love rotis even more now that they’re on tap. The rotimatic has made fresh, tasty rotis an everyday staple.

And if you loved working with red lentils, check out my Red Lentil Loaf Recipe!

Tried this recipe?If you try this recipe please tag #FussFreeFlavours on Instagram or Twitter. It is amazing for me when for me when you make one of my recipes and I really do love to see them. You can also share it on my Facebook page. Please pin this recipe to Pinterest too! Thanks for reading Fuss Free Flavours!
Rotis from the rotimatic placed in a dish of courgette daal.
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4.95 from 18 votes

Courgette and Red Lentil Daal

Courgettes or zucchinis are a tasty addition to a classic red lentil daal, perfect served with roti flatbreads. Frugal, supremely comforting, easy to make, healthy and delicious, this is an excellent way to use up a glut of home grown zucchinis! Vegan and naturally gluten free.
Servings: 2 people
Author: Helen Best-Shaw
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time25 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 225 g red lentils
  • 500 ml stock
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ginger
  • 1 medium courgette ((cubed))
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 2 sprigs coriander / cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in the pan. Add the spices, stirring all the fry them for a few minutes until they release their aroma.
  • Add the lentils and stir for another minute making sure they are well coated with the oil and spice mix.
  • Take the pan off the heat to add the stock, grate in the garlic and ginger, return to the heat and simmer for 10 mins.
  • Add the diced courgette and stir in. Simmer for another 10 mins until the lentils are soft, adding more water when needed. The amount of water you need to add will vary according to how much the courgette absorbs.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice to taste - it brightens and lifts the entire dish. 
  • Serve with roti, other flatbreads, or rice, garnished with chopped coriander leaf (cilantro).

Notes

  • Freeze ginger root and grate into the daal from frozen.
  • Keeps for a few days in the fridge, or make a double batch and freeze.
  • Add some extra stock to leftovers and cook for another 10 minutes for a delicious lentil soup.
  • Serve with my easy pilau rice.
  • This recipe is 15 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.
Nutrition Facts
Courgette and Red Lentil Daal
Amount Per Serving (2 servings)
Calories 508 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Sodium 496mg22%
Potassium 1572mg45%
Carbohydrates 76g25%
Fiber 37g154%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 31g62%
Vitamin A 635IU13%
Vitamin C 35.5mg43%
Calcium 100mg10%
Iron 10.6mg59%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Light Meal, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: rotimatic review
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This post and recipe for Courgette and Red Lentil Daal were sponsored by rotimatic. All opinions are our own. Find out more about rotimatic here: https://rotimatic.com/order-priority-fussfreeflavours This link will give you $75 off the price of a rotimatic

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Filed Under: Beans & Lentils, Easy Ways to Extra Veg (and Fruit), Quick & Easy, Sponsored, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes Ingredients: Courgette, Garam Masala, Lentils, Spices, Stock

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Amber Shea @Almost Vegan

    5 stars
    I LOVE a good dal.
    I also agree with you on food ethics :]

    Reply
    • Helen

      Such a tasty dish and so simple.

      Reply
  2. jodye @ 'scend food

    5 stars
    I love the many spellings of dahl (I guess that’s the one I immediately think of), but I love how delicious it is even more! This sounds delicious and looks super easy. I shall certainly be giving this a go!

    Reply
    • Helen

      So easy to make, and tasty every time.

      Reply
  3. Sarah P

    5 stars
    Love daal and will save this for when my courgettes start to grow, and grow, and grow…

    That roti machine looks AMAZING!

    Reply
    • Helen

      the rotimatic is very impressive!

      Reply
  4. Danielle Wolter

    5 stars
    I love the tip about the ginger! I’m going to have to try that. And I’m totally intrigued by the rotimatic (I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets). I love your post, the step by steps instructions are awesome. And this sound like a delicious recipes, great flavors!

    Reply
    • Helen

      I was really impressed by the Rotimatic.

      Reply
  5. Alyssa

    5 stars
    THAT ROIT! OMG, they are beautiful. I don’t make roti from scratch very often but I may have to try making these roti (by hand since I don’t have a machine) just to see the pretty colors in person.

    Reply
    • Helen

      You can certainly make them by hand too, all very pretty.

      Reply
  6. Suki

    5 stars
    I love that the Rotimatic learns as it goes. Just like making roti by hand, the first is never the best and they get better as you progress. Really liking the sound of this helping hand, what a great idea.

    Reply
    • Helen

      I found it really helpful, and less time spent at the hob rolling and turning.

      Reply
  7. Fiona Garret

    5 stars
    I love making daal, and add whatever I have in at the time. Courgettes is a great addition. The roti making machine is brilliant. Being able to make the dough and roll out, AND cook perfectly.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Very impressive machine, Fiona.

      Reply
  8. Mal

    5 stars
    Really tasty recipe, you can’t fault a simple dhal. So easy to make and I tend to find I have leftovers for the next day (that always taste better). The Rotimatic would be a great addition to the kitchen.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Next day daal is always so tasty, good on baked potato I find.

      Reply
  9. Maggie T

    5 stars
    That machine looks amazing! I love my bread machine, throwing the ingredients in and letting it do its work. To be able to make flat bread is a really useful thing. Even does pizza bases. Fab.

    Reply
    • Helen

      A great addition to the kitchen, very useful.

      Reply
  10. Mel Jones

    5 stars
    I love courgette season, even if you do have to eat it for breakfast! Such a versatile vegetable. Great use of them in your daal recipe.

    The Rotimatic looks excellent, what a useful piece of equipment.

    Reply
    • Helen

      I’m not so sure about courgettes for breakfast.

      The Rotimatic is great, very useful.

      Reply
  11. Demeter

    5 stars
    Looks like such a flavorful meal! The Rotimatic really does all the work….how cool! I need to check out!

    Reply
    • Helen

      The Rotimatic is brilliant, really useful.

      Reply
  12. Julia

    5 stars
    That daal looks delicious! And what? There is such a thing as flatbread making machine? Wow! :)

    Reply
    • Helen

      Perfect rotis every time!

      Reply
  13. Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

    5 stars
    Those roti are so cute, dying over all the different colors!! I gotta check out that rotimaker.

    Reply
    • Helen

      We love the rotimatic! and the coloured rotis are just for fun!

      Reply
  14. Darla F

    5 stars
    I do like having roti with Indian food, such a good accompaniment. Never tried making them before, so would love a machine that can do the work for me.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Homemade roti are delicious Darla.

      Reply
  15. Mia Robb

    5 stars
    Daal is such a good wholesome meal. I love dishes made with lentils, so tasty and always fills me up.

    Reply
    • Helen

      We love lentils too, so good.

      Reply
  16. Mandy

    4 stars
    The rotimatic looks brilliant. Love the colours you have made. Wish my attempts at any flat bread making had been as successful.

    Reply
    • Helen

      The machine makes it easy.

      Reply
  17. Dave

    5 stars
    Great looking bread machine for making roti. If I had the room in my kitchen it would be a nice addition. Unfortunately, my kitchen is a broom cupboard.

    Reply
    • Helen

      You need a bigger kitchen, Dave.

      Reply
  18. Balbir S

    5 stars
    Dahl is such an easy meal to make, and good for making a large amount of. I like adding small aubergine, but courgette sounds very nice.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Aubergine sounds delicious too.

      Reply
  19. Paul Holzherr

    If I may add to the tip for freezing ginger – and that is to wash it when bought and then to freeze the whole thing and then take it out of the freezer about 5 minutes before grating. This makes it MUCH easier to grate, skin and all.

    Reply
  20. Pete

    Has anybody really found this recipe to work with just 225ml stock? I ended up using about double that. Did I possibly do something wrong..?

    Reply
    • Helen

      Hi Pete,

      It sounds as if a gremlin has crept in somewhere, i’ll check the recipe and edit if needed.

      Reply

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Headshot of Helen Best-Shaw, Food Blogger at Fuss Free Flavours I'm Helen, full time freelance food writer, photographer and blogger. On this site you will find my fuss-free recipes, travel and reviews. Learn more here
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