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Red Lentil Dhal with Garlicky Spinach & Basmati Rice

A creamy red lentil dhal made effortlessly with Shemin’s Curry Paste, served alongside fluffy basmati rice and garlicky spinach.

Perfect for a midweek dinner, packed with protein, fibre, and flavour.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

 45 minutes

Serves

4

The star of the show

Indian Starter Pack

Indian Starter Pack

Everything you need to start cooking authentic Indian dishes. Balanced, warming flavours made easy. A perfect introduction to Indian cooking.
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Select options Original price was: £27.00.Current price is: £24.50.
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Gluten free Dairy free
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(66)
spice-iconMedium

Shemin’s Indian Curry Paste

Our multi-award winning paste will be your new secret when it comes to Indian cooking. 

Add to carta-icon£6.50

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, roughly chopped
  • 8 garlic cloves (6 crushed, 2 sliced)
  • 28g fresh coriander (stalks finely chopped, leaves roughly chopped)
  • 100g Shemin’s Curry Paste (Indian, Goan or Massaman)
  • 200g red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 litre vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • 240g basmati rice
  • 260g spinach
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Optional: dollop of natural yogurt or dairy-free alternative to serve

How to make Red Lentil Dhal with Garlicky Spinach & Basmati Rice

  1. Make the dhal: Heat 2 tbsp of the oil in a large high-sided pan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and chopped coriander stalks, cooking for 1 minute. Add the Shemin’s Curry Paste and fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable stock, and salt. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and creamy.
  2. Cook the rice: Meanwhile, rinse the rice in a sieve until the water runs clear. Put in a large pan with 480ml salted water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir once, cover, and simmer for 11 minutes (don’t lift the lid). Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff up with a fork.
  3. Prepare the spinach: Boil the kettle. Put the spinach in a large colander and pour over boiling water until wilted. Rinse under cold water to cool, then squeeze out excess liquid. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a frying pan, add the sliced garlic, and fry for 1 minute. Add the spinach, toss for 1–2 minutes until glossy, then stir in the lemon juice.
  4. Serve: Divide the rice between 4 bowls, spoon over the dhal, add the spinach, and scatter with coriander leaves. Top with a dollop of yogurt if desired and serve with Shemin’s Indian Breads.

Tips

Tips:

  • Toast the spices: Add a few Shemin’s Cumin Seeds to the oil before the onion for a richer, nuttier aroma.
  • Make it creamier: Stir in a spoonful of coconut cream just before serving for extra richness.
  • Boost the protein: Mix in cooked chickpeas or cubes of paneer towards the end.
  • Let it rest: Leave the dhal to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving — the flavours will deepen and the texture will thicken beautifully.
  • Add fresh garnish: Top with thinly sliced red onion or fresh chilli for extra crunch and colour.

Pair it with

CURRY DEAL
Indian Starter Pack
(12)

Indian Starter Pack

Everything you need to start cooking authentic Indian dishes. Balanced, warming flavours made easy. A perfect introduction to Indian cooking.
Select options Original price was: £27.00.Current price is: £24.50.
Shemin's Mild Indian Curry Paste
Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free
(38)
Mild Mild

Shemin's Mild Indian Curry Paste

A gently spiced curry paste made using our family recipe and carefully balanced spices. Warm, aromatic and full of flavour without heat, allowing the natural spices to shine. Perfect for comforting homemade curries the whole family can enjoy.
Add to cart £4.75
Shemin's Medium Indian Curry Paste
Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free
(66)
Medium Medium

Shemin's Medium Indian Curry Paste

A beautifully balanced curry paste with warming spice and real depth of flavour. Aromatic and rounded, it develops richness as it cooks without overpowering the dish. Ideal for classic homemade curries with a satisfying level of warmth.
Add to cart £4.75
Shemin's Hot Curry Paste
Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free
(31)
Hot Hot

Shemin's Hot Indian Curry Paste

A bold curry paste with deeper heat and rich spice character. Robust, aromatic and warming, with layers that intensify as it cooks. Perfect for those who enjoy a fuller, more powerful curry flavour.
Add to cart £4.75
Shemin's Massaman Curry Paste
Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free
(18)
Medium Medium

Shemin's Massaman Curry Paste

A rich Thai / Indian fusion style curry paste with warming spices and subtle sweetness. Deep, comforting and aromatic. Perfect with any ingredients.
Add to cart £4.75
Shemin's Goan Curry Paste
Vegetarian Gluten Free Dairy Free
(21)
Medium Medium

Shemin's Goan Indian Curry Paste

A vibrant curry paste inspired by the coastal flavours of Goa. Bright, aromatic and gently warming with citrus notes. Perfect for seafood, chicken or vegetable curries.
Add to cart £4.75

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Have been using your Shemins since you started selling all the pastes ! Never been disappointed !! Delicious every time , many thanks for them all , they are really…

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Always great curry paste

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