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–+ servings
overhead view of a spicy lentil curry dish with rice and delicata squash

Spicy Curry Lentils

This spicy lentil packed curry is hearty, nutritious and super tasty. It is perfectly cozy and warming for a cold day. It's easy to make and packed full of plant-powered protein and iron.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course dinner, Main Course, Side Dish, starter
Cuisine American, Californian, fusion, Indian
Servings 4
Calories 252 kcal

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.

Notes

If you desire a milder dish, simply omit the cayenne and cumin seeds. Go easy on the black pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 15gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 661mgPotassium: 259mgFiber: 17gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 580IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 6mg
Keyword comfortfood, curry, Easy, glutenfree, lentils
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