Comforting Lentil Curry

Lentils are – arguably – to plant-based eaters, what steak is to meat eaters. Ha! How controversial was that?! What I mean is that plant-based eaters enjoy the same kind of heartiness, and comfort from well-cooked lentils. We may have different opinions, but it was something I noticed when I stopped eating red meat. Lentils are a staple in our home, and are quite versatile . But what better way to enjoy this legume, than by creating a wonderful curry?

Pair it with our amazing coriander rice, and you’re in business! Perfect for when you’re having guests over, this meal comfortably serves 8.

Print Recipe

Comforting Lentil Curry

This lentil curry is tasty, comforting, and super satisfying.

Course

Main Dish

Cuisine

Indian

Cook Time

90 minutes

Servings

people

Ingredients

Braise

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion diced finely
• 2 tsp crushed garlic
• 1 tsp garlic and ginger paste
• 3 tomatoes peeled and chopped

Lentils and Spices

• 500 g brown lentils
• 6 1/2 cups boiling water
• 3 tbsp tomato puree
• 4 tsp cumin
• 4 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp salt
• pinch cayenne pepper or to your taste

Garnish

• 1/2 cup coriander finely chopped

Course Main Dish Cuisine Indian Cook Time 90 minutes Servings people Ingredients Braise 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 onion diced finely 2 tsp crushed garlic 1 tsp garlic and ginger paste 3 tomatoes peeled and chopped Lentils and Spices 500 g brown lentils 6 1/2 cups boiling water 3 tbsp tomato puree 4 tsp cumin 4 tsp curry powder 1 tsp salt pinch cayenne pepper or to your taste Garnish 1/2 cup coriander finely chopped

Instructions

1. Place oil in a large, tall, heated pot. Add diced onion, garlic and ginger paste, as well as crushed garlic to the heated oil. Allow onions to braise until golden brown.
2. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Add lentils, tomato puree, salt and spices, together with 4 cups of water, to the pot. Bring the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
4. After half an hour or so, check on the lentils. They would have expanded significantly in size, and absorbed the water. Add 2.5 cups of water at this point and continue to simmer for approximately 40 more minutes or until desired softness is achieved. We like ours soft, but still whole, and the specified time seemed to do the trick.
5. Garnish with coriander prior to serving. Coriander rice and tomato salsa optional, but highly recommended! 😉