Spicy Red Lentil Curry
Introduction
Indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of South Asia with this Spicy Red Lentil Curry. A comforting and nutrient-rich dish, it's made using soaked lentils to enhance flavor absorption and speed up the cooking process. Perfect for a wholesome meal, this curry is both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
🍵 1 cup 190g red lentils
🥑 4 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil Chosen Foods Avocado Oil
🧄 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
🌿 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely minced
🌶️ 2 serrano peppers, finely minced
🌿 1 tsp ground cumin
🌶️ 1 tsp cayenne pepper
🌿 ½ tsp ground coriander
🌿 2 tsp curry powder
🌿 1 tsp garam masala
🌿 1 tsp ground turmeric
🧂 1 tsp kosher salt
🌶️ 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
🥥 1 13.5-ounce 400 ml can full-fat coconut milk Trader Joe's Coconut Milk
🍅 1 14-ounce 400g can crushed tomatoes Muir Glen Crushed Tomatoes
🍋 1 tbsp lemon juice
🌿 ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
1- Prepare Lentils:
- Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak them overnight or for at least 6 hours to enhance nutrient absorption and speed up cooking.
2- Cook Aromatics:
- Heat a large, deep skillet, such as a Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven, over medium-high heat.
- Add the avocado or olive oil. Once shimmering, add garlic, ginger, and serrano peppers.
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3- Add Spices:
- Stir in ground cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the spices.
4- Simmer Curry:
- Add the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk to the skillet.
- Mix well, reduce heat to low, and partially cover with a lid.
- Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils are soft and the curry is creamy.
- If needed, add water and cook for another 5 minutes.
5- Finish and Serve:
- Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice and cilantro.
- Adjust the salt to taste.
- Serve hot with rice or flatbread, garnished with extra cilantro.
Prep Time: 5 minutes (excluding soaking time)
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 Protein: 10g Fat: 24g Carbohydrates: 27g Fiber: 7g
Equipment:
- Microplane Grater likely OXO Good Grips
- Chef's Knife
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven appears to be Le Creuset
- Wooden Spoon
Cooking Tips
- Soaking lentils overnight improves both their cook time and the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the type and amount of chili used.
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