Craving a dish that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor? This Vegan Red Lentil Curry is your answer. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with simple ingredients and spices.
Perfect for a cozy night in, this curry offers a delightful blend of tastes and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Grab your favorite bowl, and let’s get cooking!
Steps
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- Rinse the lentils and spread them on a baking sheet to remove any debris or stones. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot, add the lentils, and bring them back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender, then drain in a colander.
- While the lentils cook, mince the garlic and finely dice the onion and carrots. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic, onions, and carrots until the onions are translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the curry powder and sauté for another minute to enhance the flavors. Adjust the amount of curry powder to your preference, starting with one tablespoon and increasing if desired.
- Add the drained lentils and tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine, and heat for approximately 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, adding about 1/2 teaspoon if necessary.
- Serve the curried lentils warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. They pair well with rice, naan, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 medium carrots (approximately 1/2 pound), finely diced
- 1 cup uncooked brown lentils
- 2 tablespoons curry powder (hot or mild)
- 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
- Salt to taste (approximately 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1131kcal | Carbohydrates: 195.32g | Protein: 59.52g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 1016.4mg | Fiber: 43g
FAQ
- What type of lentils should I use for Curried Lentils?
- For this recipe, brown lentils are recommended because they cook quickly, in about 20 minutes, and maintain their shape. French or green lentils take longer to cook, around 45 minutes, while red and yellow lentils tend to break down and become mushy, which is not ideal for this dish.
- Can I substitute the tomato sauce if it’s not available?
- If you’re unable to find tomato sauce, you can use strained or puréed tomatoes as a substitute. This will provide a similar consistency and flavor to the dish.
- How do I prepare the lentils before cooking?
- Spread the lentils out on a baking sheet to remove any stones or debris. Once sorted, bring about 3 cups of water to a boil, add the lentils, and let them boil briefly. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let them simmer for approximately 20 minutes until tender. After cooking, drain them using a colander.
- What are some serving suggestions for Curried Lentils?
- These curried lentils can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a great addition to an Indian platter with creamed spinach and naan, can be stuffed into a pita for a vegetarian sandwich, or served in a bowl with brown rice, a fried egg, and spinach.
- Can Curried Lentils be frozen?
- Yes, if you have leftovers, these lentils freeze well. Store them in an airtight container, and they can be reheated for a quick meal later on.
Tips
- Cooking Lentils: Use brown lentils for this recipe as they cook quickly and maintain their shape well. Bring a pot with enough water to a boil, add the lentils, and let them simmer for about 20 minutes until tender. If they are not tender after this time, extend the simmering by 5 more minutes.
- Enhancing Flavor: To enhance the curry flavor, start by sautéing the curry powder with the vegetables for about a minute. This step helps to toast the spices, bringing out their full aroma and taste.
- Serving Suggestions: These curried lentils can be enjoyed in various ways. Consider serving them over a bed of brown rice, alongside naan, or as part of a bowl meal with a fried egg and spinach.
- Freezing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be frozen for future meals. This makes it easy to have a quick, flavorful dish on hand whenever you need it.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – for sautéing the vegetables and combining all the ingredients.
- Sauce Pot with Lid – for boiling and simmering the lentils.
- Colander – for draining the cooked lentils.
- Chef’s Knife – for mincing garlic and dicing onions and carrots.
- Cutting Board – for preparing the vegetables.
