Soy Free Vegan Cozy Moong Dal
Warm, deeply spiced, and endlessly comforting, this moong dal is the kind of bowl that feels like a hug on a cold evening. Split yellow mung beans simmer down into a silky, porridge-like base seasoned with turmeric and salt, then get finished with a sizzling tadka — a fragrant bloom of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, onion, garlic, ginger, and tomato cooked in coconut oil until jammy and irresistible. That two-step process is what makes this dish so special: the dal builds a gentle, earthy foundation while the tadka layers in bold, aromatic depth before the two are combined and simmered together. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens everything and ties the flavors together beautifully. For anyone navigating soy-free eating, this recipe is naturally in the clear — every ingredient, from the coconut oil to the whole spices, is straightforwardly plant-based without leaning on soy-derived products that so often sneak into vegan cooking. Serve it over basmati rice or scoop it up with flatbread, and don't skip the fresh cilantro if you have it on hand — it adds a pop of color and freshness that really completes the bowl.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the dal
- 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow mung beans)
- 3 cups water
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¾ tsp salt, plus more to taste
For the tadka
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or neutral oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp black mustard seeds
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- cooked basmati rice or flatbread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed moong dal, 3 cups water, and ground turmeric in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal is completely soft and has broken down into a thick, porridge-like consistency. Stir in the salt, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
- 2
Heat the coconut oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds and cook, swirling the pan, for 30–45 seconds, until the mustard seeds begin to pop and the cumin is fragrant — watch closely, as the seeds can brown quickly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!