Delicious and Easy Curried Lentils: A Flavorful Vegan Recipe

Curried lentils are a staple in many cuisines for good reason: they’re healthy, affordable, incredibly flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you crave a warm and aromatic dish. This vegan and gluten-free recipe utilizes simple ingredients and techniques to create a complex and deeply savory flavor profile. The combination of earthy lentils, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk makes for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to elevate your lentil game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Aromatic:** The blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Lentils are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this dish a healthy and filling meal option.
* **Vegan and Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary needs.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and comes together in under an hour.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Lentils are an affordable source of protein, making this a budget-friendly meal option.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or protein sources.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Curried lentils store well in the refrigerator for several days, making them perfect for meal prepping.
* **Freezable:** Prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions for easy and convenient meals.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious curried lentil recipe:

* **Lentils:** 1 cup of brown or green lentils (red lentils cook too quickly and become mushy). Brown or green lentils hold their shape well during cooking.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Yellow onion provides a good base flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated. Fresh ginger provides a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Curry Powder:** 2 tablespoons of curry powder. Use your favorite curry powder blend. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor.
* **Coriander:** 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. Coriander adds a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.
* **Turmeric:** 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric. Turmeric adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor, and it’s also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
* **Cayenne Pepper (Optional):** 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
* **Vegetable Broth:** 4 cups of vegetable broth. Vegetable broth provides the liquid base for the lentils to cook in.
* **Coconut Milk:** 1 can (13.5 oz) of full-fat coconut milk. Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish. You can use light coconut milk for a lower-fat option, but it won’t be as creamy.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained. Diced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness to the dish.
* **Spinach (Optional):** 5 oz of fresh spinach. Add spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the flavors.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
* **Oil:** 2 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil. Use oil to sauté the vegetables and spices.
* **Optional Toppings:** Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, yogurt (vegan or dairy), naan bread, rice.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Grater (for ginger)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious curried lentils:

**Step 1: Rinse the Lentils**

Thoroughly rinse the lentils under cold water to remove any debris or impurities. This step helps to prevent a gritty texture in the finished dish. Place the lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them for about a minute, until the water runs clear.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Add the Spices**

Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. This step helps to bloom the spices and release their full flavor.

**Step 4: Add the Lentils, Broth, and Tomatoes**

Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Stir in the Coconut Milk and Spinach (Optional)**

Once the lentils are tender, stir in the coconut milk and spinach (if using). Cook for another 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the coconut milk is heated through. If you’re not using spinach, simply stir in the coconut milk and heat through for a few minutes.

**Step 6: Season and Serve**

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve your desired flavor. Serve the curried lentils hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or a dollop of yogurt (vegan or dairy). Enjoy with naan bread or rice.

## Tips and Variations

* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Feel free to adjust the amount of curry powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of curry powder or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Add More Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as carrots, celery, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower. Add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic. Other good additions include bell peppers, zucchini, or peas.
* **Use Different Types of Lentils:** While brown or green lentils are recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of lentils. Black lentils (beluga lentils) will also hold their shape well. Red lentils cook much faster and will become mushy, so they are not ideal for this recipe.
* **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, you can add protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Add the protein to the pot along with the coconut milk and spinach.
* **Make it Creamier:** For an extra creamy dish, use full-fat coconut milk and blend a portion of the lentils with an immersion blender before adding the coconut milk. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Then, add the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the coconut milk and spinach (if using) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it in an Instant Pot:** You can also make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Sauté the onions, garlic, and spices using the sauté function. Then, add the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Stir in the coconut milk and spinach (if using).
* **Add a Squeeze of Lime:** Instead of lemon, a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a zesty twist.
* **Serve with Rice or Naan:** Curried lentils are delicious served over rice (basmati or brown rice are great options) or with warm naan bread for dipping.
* **Garnish Generously:** Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a dollop of yogurt (dairy or plant-based), and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add visual appeal and extra flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Curried lentils can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* Serve over rice or quinoa.
* Serve with naan bread or roti.
* Serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
* Serve as a filling for wraps or tacos.
* Serve as a topping for baked potatoes.
* Serve as a part of a larger Indian-inspired feast.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover curried lentils can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the lentils in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent them from drying out.
* **Freeze:** Curried lentils can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the lentils to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Serving Size:** 1 cup
* **Calories:** 300-350 (depending on ingredients used)
* **Protein:** 15-20 grams
* **Fiber:** 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Curried lentils are a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its fragrant spices, creamy coconut milk, and hearty lentils, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying culinary experience!

Enjoy! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is easily adaptable to your own personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and vegetables to create your own unique version of curried lentils.