🥣 Goan Masoor Ros Recipe | Spicy Red Lentil Curry with Coconut

A traditional Goan curry rich in coconut and spices — flavorful, comforting, and perfect with rice or roti.

📝 About the Recipe

Masoor Ros is a classic Goan lentil-based curry made with whole red lentils (masoor), coconut, and aromatic spices. This hearty and mildly spicy curry can be prepared with or without onions — making it an ideal Satvik dish for festivals or simple vegetarian meals.

📌 Servings: 3
⏱️ Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
🍛 Cuisine: Goan
👩‍🍳 Author: Puja Raghuvir Naik

🧂 Ingredients

Main:

• ½ cup whole masoor (red lentils), soaked (2 hrs or overnight)
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1–2 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Jaggery – to balance spices
• Salt – to taste

Masala Paste:

• 1 onion (optional for Satvik version)
• ½ cup freshly grated coconut
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Small tamarind ball

Water – as needed for grinding
Tempering:

• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 1–2 tsp oil

🍳 Method

1. Prep & Cook the Lentils

• Soak masoor for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Pressure cook with cubed potatoes, green chilies, chopped tomato, salt, and enough water (4–5 whistles).

2. Prepare the Masala Paste

• In a pan, heat a little oil.
• Fry sliced onion (if using) until golden brown.
• Add grated coconut and roast until golden and fragrant.
• Allow to cool, then grind with chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, tamarind, and water to a smooth paste.

3. Make the Curry

• In a kadai or pan, heat oil.
• Add mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves. Let them splutter.
• Add the ground masala paste and cook until oil separates. Adjust thickness with water if needed.
• Stir in garam masala and jaggery to balance the heat.
• Add the boiled masoor-potato mixture and simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors.

Link to related vegetarian dishes like:
🍲 Varan Dal
🍠 Sweet Potato Kheer

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve Masoor Ros hot with:

• Steamed rice or jeera rice
• Chapati, roti, or Goan pao

🌿 Satvik Option:

🧅 Avoid onion in the masala paste for a no-onion version — it still tastes absolutely delicious!

💬 Have you tried Masoor Ros before? Let us know how you serve it in the comments!
📌 Save this easy Goan lentil curry for your weekday meal plans!