Lentil Curry

The first time I made lentil curry was a little adventure! I was excited to try something new, but I ended up with a pot of lentils that were a bit too spicy for my taste. Surprise! Well, I learned that not all chili powders are created equal. Since then, I’ve tweaked a few things and can confidently say that I’ve nailed it now! I’ve balanced the spices and even added some extra veggies because why not? Your lentil curry can be anything you want!

1. 

   Lentil Curry

   Welcome, friends! Today, we’re diving into the cozy and vibrant world of **Lentil Curry**. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and a symphony of spices that will warm your heart and soul. Trust me, this recipe will make your kitchen smell like an Indian market, in the best possible way!

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   Prep Time 10 minutes mins

   Cook Time 30 minutes mins

   Total Time 39 minutes mins

   Course Main Course

   Cuisine Indian, Vegetarian

   Servings 4 people

   Calories 320 kcal

   Ingredients

     

   • 1 cup dried lentils red or green
   • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil for a sweet twist
   • 1 large onion diced
   • 3 garlic cloves minced
   • 1 inch piece of ginger minced
   • 1 tablespoon curry powder
   • 1 teaspoon cumin
   • 1 teaspoon turmeric
   • 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
   • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
   • 1 cup chopped spinach optional, can substitute with kale
   • 1 large tomato chopped (or one can of diced tomatoes)
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Fresh cilantro for garnish

   Instructions

    

   • Rinse the Lentils: Start by giving your lentils a good rinse under cold water. This helps to remove any dust or debris. Set them aside.
   • Heat the Oil: In a large pot or skillet, heat your vegetable oil over medium heat. A little glitter in the oil means it’s ready for action!
   • Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Then throw in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.Your kitchen should be smelling heavenly by now!
   • Spice It Up: Sprinkle in your curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir it all together for about 1 minute to bloom those spices. Just imagine those flavors mingling!
   • Add the Lentils and Liquid: Pour in the rinsed lentils, chopped tomato, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir.
   • Let It Simmer: Bring your pot to a gentle boil and then lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally—this gives you a chance to taste and add salt and pepper as you like.
   • Incorporate Greens: If you're adding spinach (or kale), toss it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will keep it vibrant and fresh!
   • Garnish and Serve: Once it’s cooked to perfection, serve your lentil curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can enjoy it over rice, with naan, or just by itself!

   Keyword easy lentil recipe, Lentil curry, vegetarian currry

Nutritional Information

5 Tips for This Recipe

1. Use fresh spices! They make a big difference in flavor.
2. Adjust the heat: If you love spice, feel free to add some red chili flakes!
3. Let it sit: Allowing your curry to sit for a few hours will let the flavors deepen.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for a zesty kick!
5. Make extras! This curry freezes beautifully for those busy days.

5 FAQs for This Recipe

1. Can I use canned lentils? Yes, just add them in at the end for a quick meal!
2. Is this curry vegan? Absolutely, as long as you use vegetable broth!
3. How do I make it thicker? For a thicker curry, cook it longer or mash some lentils against the side of the pot.
4. What can I serve it with? Rice, quinoa, or naan are great options!
5. Can I add other vegetables? Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, or peas all work well in this curry.

5 Storage Tips

1. Store completely cooled curry in an airtight container.
2. It can last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
3. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
4. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
5. Don’t reheat more than three times to maintain freshness!

5 Common Cooking Mistakes

1. Not rinsing lentils: This can lead to gritty curry!
2. Overcooking the garlic: It can turn bitter, so add it in the right order.
3. Skipping the simmer: Don’t rush! Let it simmer for the flavors to develop.
4. Not tasting as you go: You can always adjust seasoning for your preference.
5. Ignoring leftovers: Some folks think they’ll taste the same, but they get even better!

Final Thoughts

Making this Lentil Curry has been a delightful experience, filled with aromatic spices and rich flavors. I learned so much from my first attempt—even if it was a bit spicy at first! Tweaks like adjusting the spice levels and adding veggies really made it my own. I love that this dish is both satisfying and healthy, plus it’s versatile enough to suit various palates.

As we explore this world of cooking together, remember that the kitchen is a playground of flavors waiting to be discovered. Don’t hesitate to add your spin to this recipe, whether it’s a dash of your favorite spice or incorporating seasonal veggies. Cooking should be fun!

Grab your ingredients, tie on that apron, and let’s create some magic in the kitchen together. Enjoy every bite!