Coconut Red Lentil Dahl — A Warming Bowl for Vata Season 🍲

As the air grows crisp and the days shorten, our bodies naturally crave warmth, grounding, and comfort. In Ayurveda, this time of year is known as Vata season — a period marked by movement, coolness, and dryness. To stay balanced, we turn toward foods that are warming, moist, and gently spiced — meals that comfort not just the body, but the soul.

One of the most delicious ways to find that balance comes from our own Emily Ford, who shared this recipe during her recent workshop, Rhythms of Rest: Ayurvedic & Yoga Rituals for Vata. Her Coconut Red Lentil Dahl is a simple, soothing dish that embodies the essence of Ayurveda — nourishing, grounding, and filled with mindful intention.

Why You’ll Love It

This Coconut Red Lentil Dahl is more than a meal — it’s comfort in a bowl. With its creamy coconut base, tender lentils, and golden spices, each spoonful feels like a gentle hug for body and soul. Here’s why it’s sure to become a favorite:

• Nourishing & grounding: Balances Vata energy with warm, gently spiced ingredients that calm and restore.

• Comforting & creamy: The coconut milk creates a silky texture that’s both satisfying and soothing.

• Family-friendly: Mild enough for little ones, flavorful enough to delight adults.

• Simple & soulful: Made with everyday ingredients that come alive through Ayurvedic wisdom.

• A mindful ritual: From toasting the spices to the final squeeze of lime, cooking it feels meditative and heart-centering.

Emily Ford’s Coconut Red Lentil Dahl

Ingredients

(Feel free to measure with your heart — this is food meant to nourish, not perfect.)

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, diced

• 5 cups spinach

• 2 cups red lentils, rinsed

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1–2 tsp each: cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric

• 2 tbsp curry powder

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

• 3–4 cups vegetable broth (start with less and add as needed)

• 1 lime

• Fresh cilantro

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Sauté aromatics:
   In a large pot, melt the ghee and sauté the onions and garlic until golden and fragrant. Add the bell pepper and continue to cook until softened.

2. Bloom the spices:
   Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, curry powder, and nutmeg. Let the spices toast for 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.

3. Simmer the lentils:
   Add the rinsed red lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and creamy.

4. Add coconut milk and greens:
   Stir in the coconut milk and mix until fully incorporated. Add spinach and allow it to wilt into the dahl.

5. Season and serve:
   Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.

Ayurvedic Wisdom for Vata Season

In the rhythm of nature, autumn calls us inward — to slow down, restore, and nourish. Ayurveda teaches that during Vata season, our inner fire (agni) benefits from warm, grounding foods cooked with care and love.

Red lentils are light yet hearty, easy to digest, and packed with protein. Coconut milk and ghee add the healthy fats that help soothe the dryness of fall. The warming spices — turmeric, cumin, coriander, and curry — stoke your digestive fire, while the fresh lime brings a touch of brightness to balance it all.

Each spoonful is a gentle reminder to honor your body’s need for stillness and warmth — to treat food as medicine and the act of cooking as meditation.

Bring Balance to Your Table

This Coconut Red Lentil Dahl isn’t just a recipe — it’s a ritual. A simple, grounding act of self-care that brings harmony to your kitchen, your body, and your heart.

✨ May each bite remind you that balance begins from within.

💬 LET’S HEAR FROM YOU!

Have you tried this recipe? What’s your favorite grounding meal to make when the weather turns cool? Share your thoughts in the comments—and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us if you make it!