Introduction
In this article, we will explore a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring red curry lentils. This hearty meal is not only packed with protein and fiber but also offers a delightful blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a meal prep option, red curry lentils served over rice make for a satisfying experience.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
½ large onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons red curry paste
½ tablespoon garam masala
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
A few shakes of cayenne pepper
1 (14-ounce) can tomato puree
¼ cup coconut milk or cream
Cilantro for garnishing
Rice for serving
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: serves 4
The process begins by cooking the lentils, then combining them with a rich mix of spices and a creamy tomato base. As you simmer the ingredients together, the aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Finally, serve the curry over rice and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added touch. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lentils
Rinse and pick over 1½ cups of lentils. Cook them according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add ½ large diced onion and sauté until fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Add Spices and Aromatics
Add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste, ½ tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of curry powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and a few shakes of cayenne pepper. Stir-fry the mixture for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Puree
Pour in 1 (14-ounce) can of tomato puree, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Add Lentils and Coconut Milk
Add the cooked lentils and ¼ cup of coconut milk or cream to the saucepan. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 6: Simmer the Mixture
Reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the red curry lentils over cooked rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Cooking Lentils
Make sure to check the type of lentils you are using, as cooking times may vary.
Adjusting Spiciness
Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
Using Coconut Milk vs. Cream
Coconut cream will add a richer texture and flavor, while coconut milk will keep the dish lighter.
Storage
Leftover red curry lentils can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Cooking Lentils
To cook lentils, rinse them under cold water to remove any debris. Combine them with water in a pot in a ratio of about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, usually about 20-30 minutes. Drain any excess water if necessary.
Sautéing Onions
In a saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add diced onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and golden brown. This process enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
Stir-Frying Spices
Add spices like curry paste, garam masala, curry powder, and turmeric to the sautéed onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their essential oils and flavors, which will infuse the dish.
Simmering
After combining the tomato puree and lentils with spices, allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step helps meld the flavors together and creates a rich, cohesive dish.
Garnishing
Just before serving, garnish your dish with fresh cilantro. This adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the flavor profile.
FAQ
Can I use different types of lentils for this recipe?
Yes, while green or brown lentils are commonly used, you can substitute with red or yellow lentils. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since they may cook faster.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
You can use heavy cream, almond milk, or a combination of water and a bit of butter if you need a dairy-free option.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. Feel free to decrease the amount of cayenne pepper or use a milder curry paste.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure that any garnishes or accompaniments are also vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with these red curry lentils?
These lentils pair beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even naan bread. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Conclusion
The red curry lentils offer a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the earthiness of lentils with the warmth of spices. This dish is not only hearty and comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any meal. By serving it over rice and garnishing with fresh cilantro, you elevate the presentation and enhance the overall experience. Enjoy this dish as a nourishing option for lunch or dinner, providing both taste and satisfaction.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Lentil Salad with Feta and Olives
Combine cooked lentils with crumbled feta cheese, pitted olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
Spicy Lentil Soup
Transform the lentils into a soup by adding vegetable broth, diced carrots, celery, and kale. Use similar spices to create a comforting bowl of spicy lentil soup.
Coconut Curry Chickpeas
Swap lentils for chickpeas in the original recipe for a different protein-packed curry. Add spinach or other leafy greens for added nutrition.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Lentils
Sauté your choice of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas with the spices from the original recipe. Mix in the cooked lentils for a quick stir-fry.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the lentils as a stuffing for halved bell peppers, combined with rice, the spices, and some cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender.
Curried Lentil Tacos
Wrap the red curry lentils in corn or flour tortillas, and top with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of lime juice for a delicious taco night.
