This spicy curry lentils is one of my favorite Indian recipes because it is easy to make, uses staple ingredients and is bursting with flavor. The vegan curry "gravy " is super spicy and very aromatic. You need this perfect curry recipe for a chilly day. It is warming, vibrant and vegan comfort food at its finest.
Why you will love Spicy Curry Lentils
There is so much to love about this totally plant-based recipe. First, it is super nutritious. Lentils are so good for you! They are full of plant power with iron, fiber and protein plus b-vitamins and antioxidants galore. Adding lentils to your diet is such a great idea. Secondly, this recipe is delicious! The combination of aromatic onions, ginger and garlic which I call the "holy trinity" plus warming spices like turmeric, cumin seeds and garam masala pack a huge flavor punch. If you love Indian flavors, and spicy food this recipe is easy to make and tastes great.
What is curry?
The dominant flavor of this Indian inspired Spicy Curry Lentils dish is curry. Indian curries typically have of a flavorful sauce or gravy made with a blend of spices, often including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers. This sauce is then used to cook various ingredients, such as meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables, or tofu. Curry dishes are often served with rice, bread, or noodles. The intense flavors in this spicy curry lentils come from aromatics and spices. We use aromatic ginger, garlic and onions as the base. Then cumin seeds, turmeric, smoked paprika, garam masala, coriander and cayenne bring the heat.
Ingredients for this Spicy Curry Lentils
This spicy curry lentils has basic ingredients that you may already have in the pantry. I use a plethora of spices to develop the curry flavor but if you prefer to substitute "curry powder" as a short cut, this will still be delicious. Use green or brown lentils.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Yellow onion
- Ginger
- Cumin seeds
- Tomato paste
- Turmeric
- Smoked paprika
- Ground coriander
- Ground cumin
- French Green Lentils
- Garam masala
- Cayenne
- Black pepper to taste
- Cilantro
How to make spicy curry lentils
This curry recipe is really easy to make!
- Cook the lentils- boil them until soft.
- Make the curry gravy-cook the aromatics, caramelize the tomato paste, and spice it up.
- Combine to finish- add the cooked lentils to the curry gravy, finish with cilantro and pepper and enjoy.
More curry recipes you will love
- Vegan Potato and Chickpea Curry
- Vegan Butter Chicken with Jackfruit
- Easy Saag Chole
- Squash and Chickpea Masala
Spicy Curry Lentils
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 yellow onion minced
- 3 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 cup French Green Lentils or Brown Lentils dry
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- 1 black pepper to taste
- ½ cup cilantro
Instructions
- In a large pot, place the lentils with water to cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender while you make the rest of the recipe.
- In a deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the oil over medium then add the garlic, onion and ginger and fry for 5 minutes stirring often until fragrant and starting to turn golden.
- Add cumin seeds and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant
- Add tomato paste and stir into the fragrant mixture. Cook for 3-5 minutes stirring often to caramelize the tomato paste. The color will get darker in this process. Add the turmeric, cumin and coriander and stir into the mix.
- Add the lentils and 2 cups water and stir well and then bring to a boil. Add salt, smoked paprika, garam masala and cayenne. Let it simmer on medium low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors have combined and curry is thick.
- Finish by adding black pepper to taste and stirring in half of the cilantro. Serve topped with more black pepper and the remaining cilantro.
- Serve with rice or bread and enjoy within 4 days for best quality.
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