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Red Lentil Curry Recipe

septiembre 20, 2024

Introduction:
Red lentil curry is a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish packed with spices and rich in plant-based protein. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping, as lentils cook quickly and absorb the bold flavors of curry spices beautifully. Below is a detailed guide to making red lentil curry, with all the ingredients and steps you’ll need.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of red lentils (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons of curry powder (or a combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric)
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes)
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (optional for added richness)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or coconut oil)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Aromatics:
  • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they turn translucent and soft.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  1. Add the Spices:
  • Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toast the spices for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn. This step enhances the flavors of the spices, making the curry more aromatic.
  1. Incorporate Tomatoes and Lentils:
  • Add the diced tomatoes (and tomato paste if using), stirring to combine with the spices and onions.
  • Pour in the rinsed lentils, mixing them into the tomato base. Let everything cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  1. Simmer the Curry:
  • Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot.
  • Let the curry simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and cooked through. If the curry becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  1. Season and Garnish:
  • Once the lentils are fully cooked, season the curry with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Squeeze the juice of half a lime over the curry for a fresh, tangy finish.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Red lentil curry pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed basmati rice or brown rice
  • Naan bread or chapati for dipping
  • A side of sautéed vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli

Tips for Success:

  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly: This removes excess starch and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
  • Adjust the heat: You can add more cayenne or fresh chili peppers for an extra kick or leave it out for a milder curry.
  • Make it creamy: Adding coconut milk makes the curry rich and creamy, but you can substitute it with almond or cashew milk for a lighter version.