As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Easy Buttered Cabbage Pink Dhal for a Simple Weeknight Dinner
Buttered Cabbage Pink Dhal is one of those easy, throw-it-together meals. It’s humble, filling, and honestly tastes even better the next day.
Pink dhal with cabbage, garlic, and curry leaves
Why you will love and enjoy Buttered Cabbage Pink Dhal
- It’s budget-friendly, hearty, and feeds a crowd without fuss
- The garlic, curry leaves, and chili make your kitchen smell incredible
- It reheats beautifully for next-day lunches
Buttered Cabbage Pink Dhal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Indian Recipes
- Method: Easy Cooking
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 2 cups pink dhal lentils, rinsed well
- 2 to 3 cups finely chopped cabbage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 5 to 10 cloves fresh garlic, chopped, or 1 tsp crushed garlic
- 5 dry red chilies
- 2 stems of curry leaves
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp jeera seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Hing
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 to 2 tbsp oil of choice
- Salt to taste
- 5 to 6 cups water, as needed
Instructions
- Heat 1 to 2 tbsp oil in a medium heavy-based pot over medium heat.
- Once hot, add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp jeera seeds. Let them splatter and pop for about 30 seconds.
- Lower the heat slightly and add 1 chopped onion. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
- Add 2 stems of curry leaves, 5 dry red chili, 5 to 10 cloves chopped fresh garlic or 1 tsp crushed garlic, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1/4 tsp Hing.
- Fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the 2 cups well rinsed pink dhal lentils and stir so the lentils are coated in all the spices.
- Pour in 5 to 6 cups of water as needed.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Stir every few minutes so it doesn’t stick, and add extra water as needed.
- When the lentils are almost soft, add 2 to 3 cups of finely chopped cabbage. Stir well, cover loosely, and cook until the cabbage is tender and the dhal is creamy.
- Once the dhal is fully cooked and soft, add salt to taste.
- Adding salt earlier can slow down how quickly lentils soften, so wait until now.
- Stir in 1 tbsp butter right at the end for richness. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- If you like a smoother texture, give it a few gentle mash strokes with the back of your spoon.
- Serve hot with rice, roti or warm bread
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested Irene
Homestyle dhal with mustard seeds, butter, turmeric, lentils, cabbage, and chili.
Buttered Cabbage Pink Dhal brings together tender lentils and cabbage in a way that feels both practical and deeply satisfying. A hearty meal that feels both nourishing and comforting after a long day
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!
We happily share our tasty and fantastic recipes and are excited to spread some love by sharing our posts at these awesome Linky Parties.
Copyright © 2026 esmesalon.com – All rights reserved.
I’ve never heard of this, but it sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing this at the Will Blog for Comments #79 linkup. Wishing you a wonderful week to come & looking forward to seeing more of your posts next week at #80.
Morning Jennifer, It’s a very SA Indian style dish. Thanks for popping in here.