Spiced Comfort Red Lentil Curry
This Spiced Comfort Red Lentil Curry is the ultimate definition of comfort food. With its aromatic blend of spices and hearty texture, it brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite. This vibrant dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Pair it with warm, fluffy pitas or serve it over a bed of rice to absorb the rich flavors. Whether you're a lentil lover or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red lentils
1 cup (Rinsed in cold water until clear)
Onion
1 cup (Diced)
Vegetable oil
1.5 teaspoons (For caramelizing onions)
Curry paste
1 tablespoon
Ground turmeric
0.5 teaspoon
Ground cumin
0.5 teaspoon
Chili powder
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Sugar
0.5 teaspoon
Minced garlic
0.5 teaspoon
Minced fresh ginger
0.5 teaspoon
Tomato puree
1 (8 ounce) can
Instructions
1
Rinse the red lentils in cold water until the water runs clear, then add them to a saucepan with enough water to cover them.
2
Bring the lentils to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes until they are tender, adding water as necessary to prevent sticking.
3
While the lentils are cooking, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and caramelize them, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and soft.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the curry paste, ground turmeric, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix until well combined.
5
Once the onions are caramelized, add the curry mixture to the skillet. Cook over high heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
6
Stir in the tomato puree and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the curry base to develop its flavors while the lentils finish cooking.
7
When the lentils are tender, drain off any excess water and add them to the skillet with the curry mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine.
8
Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through, then serve immediately with warm pitas or over rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Spiced Comfort Red Lentil Curry.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the primary protein source in this dish?
The primary protein source is 1 cup of red lentils.
How long does it take for the red lentils to cook?
The red lentils take approximately 20-30 minutes to become tender.
What should I do before cooking the red lentils?
Rinse the red lentils in cold water until the water runs clear.
What is the recommended cooking oil for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of vegetable oil.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be diced and caramelized in a skillet until golden brown and soft.
What spices are included in the curry mixture?
The mixture includes curry paste, ground turmeric, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and sugar.
How much garlic and ginger is needed?
The recipe requires 0.5 teaspoon of minced garlic and 0.5 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.
What kind of tomato product is used in the sauce?
One 8-ounce can of tomato puree is used to create the curry base.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish and uses plant-based ingredients like lentils and vegetable oil.
What are the suggested side dishes for this curry?
This dish is best served with warm, fluffy pitas or over a bed of rice.
How long does it take to cook the spices and onions together?
The curry mixture should be cooked with the caramelized onions over high heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What is the total estimated preparation time for this meal?
This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 0.5 teaspoon of sugar in the spice mixture.
What is the texture of the Spiced Comfort Red Lentil Curry?
It is described as having a hearty texture and a rich flavor.
How do you prevent the lentils from sticking while simmering?
Add water as necessary while they are simmering to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
How much curry paste should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of curry paste.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Curries.
How long should the final curry simmer after combining lentils and sauce?
Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Is this a spicy dish?
It contains curry paste, chili powder, ginger, and garlic, providing a vibrant and aromatic blend of spices.
How much ground turmeric is needed?
The recipe requires 0.5 teaspoon of ground turmeric.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 0.5 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What should I do after the lentils are tender?
Drain off any excess water before adding them to the skillet with the curry mixture.
Can this be considered a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick meal that takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
Is the onion count measured in weight or volume?
The onion is measured as 1 cup of diced onion.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include red lentils, curry, vegetarian, comfort food, quick meal, spices, healthy, and easy recipe.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 0.5 teaspoon of chili powder.
What temperature should the onions be cooked at?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat to allow for caramelization.
Is the ginger fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifies 0.5 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger.