Lentil and Broccoli Delight Curry
This Lentil and Broccoli Delight Curry is a mouthwatering, aromatic dish that balances the earthy tones of lentils with the slight bitterness of fresh broccoli. Enhanced with a variety of spices, this dish offers a depth of flavor that is nothing short of exquisite. Perfect for a family meal, the mild heat makes it enjoyable for children, while the richness of the butter or ghee adds a comforting layer. Serve it over fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying experience. Whether you're preparing a hearty meal or a side dish for a more elaborate dinner, this one-dish wonder is sure to impress.
4
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter or ghee
4 tablespoons (melted)
onions
2 medium (chopped)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (ground)
black pepper
1.5 teaspoons (ground)
cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (ground)
turmeric
2 teaspoons (ground)
red lentils
1 cup (rinsed)
lemon
1 (juiced)
chicken broth
3 cups (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
broccoli
2 medium (chopped)
dried coconut
1/2 cup (optional)
flour
1 tablespoon (all-purpose)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cashews
1 cup (coarsely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Stir in the chili powder, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices and release their aromas.
3
Add the rinsed red lentils, lemon juice, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), and dried coconut (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little hot water to adjust the consistency.
5
Meanwhile, steam the chopped broccoli for 7 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp. Quickly plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve its color.
6
In a small bowl, remove 1/3 cup of the lentil mixture and add the flour to form a smooth paste. This will help thicken the curry.
7
Return the flour paste to the main pot and mix well. Gently fold in the steamed broccoli, salt, and cashews (if using).
8
Allow the curry to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
9
Serve the delightful curry over fragrant basmati rice and enjoy your meal!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
39g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lentil and Broccoli Delight Curry?
It is an aromatic, mouthwatering dish that balances earthy lentils with the slight bitterness of fresh broccoli, enhanced by a variety of spices and finished with butter or ghee.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for this curry?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What are the primary spices used in this dish?
The dish uses a blend of chili powder, black pepper, cumin, ground coriander, and turmeric.
How long do the lentils need to simmer?
The red lentils should simmer for 45 to 55 minutes until they are tender.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this curry?
Steam the chopped broccoli for 7 minutes until tender-crisp, then plunge it into cold water to preserve its bright green color.
What is the best way to thicken this curry?
Mix 1/3 cup of the lentil mixture with one tablespoon of all-purpose flour to form a smooth paste, then return it to the pot.
What should I serve with Lentil and Broccoli Delight Curry?
It is best served over fluffy, fragrant basmati rice.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 10.5g of protein.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish has a mild heat that makes it enjoyable for children and families.
What type of lentils are required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of rinsed red lentils.
Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 4 tablespoons of either butter or ghee depending on your preference.
What are the optional ingredients for this recipe?
Dried coconut (1/2 cup) and coarsely chopped cashews (1 cup) are optional additions for extra texture and flavor.
How much fiber does this meal provide?
One serving of this curry contains 7.5g of fiber.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn golden brown.
What is the total fat content?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Add the juice of one lemon along with the lentils and broth before bringing the mixture to a boil.
What type of broth is recommended?
You can use 3 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 39g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent the broccoli from overcooking?
Plunge the steamed broccoli into cold water immediately after steaming to stop the cooking process.
Can I add more water to the curry?
Yes, if the mixture becomes too thick while simmering, you can add a little hot water to adjust the consistency.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, the mild heat and comforting richness of the butter make it a family-friendly meal.
What is the purpose of toasting the spices?
Toasting the spices for one minute after sautéing the onions helps release their aromatic oils and depth of flavor.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe requires 2 medium onions, chopped.
What is the final cooking step?
After adding the broccoli and thickening paste, allow the curry to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'one dish meal' because it combines protein, vegetables, and fats in one pot.
What is the preparation for the cashews?
If using cashews, they should be coarsely chopped and added near the end of the cooking process.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy meal rich in fiber and plant-based protein from lentils and broccoli.