This comforting and warm dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and would be great for either a weeknight dinner or a day of meal prepping. Not only is it gluten-free and good for vegans, but it is also a great way to increase the amount of plant-based foods in your diet. Read on to find out how to make this tasty dish and all the good things that can happen to your body when you eat it.
Healthy Lentil Curry
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 13.5 ounces coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomato, curry powder, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the spices to become fragrant and the tomato to soften.
- Add the rinsed and drained lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
- If desired, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to partially blend the curry, leaving some texture. This step is optional but can create a creamier consistency.
- Serve the Lentil Curry over cooked rice or with naan bread, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Health Benefits
Healthy Lentil curry is not only a tasty dish, but also a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Lentils are a great way to get protein from plants, fiber, and important minerals like iron and folate. These nutrients are good for your heart, help keep your digestive system healthy, and help keep your blood sugar levels normal. Also, turmeric and cumin, two of the spices used in this curry, have anti-inflammatory properties that help with general health. The coconut milk gives this meal a creamy taste and some healthy fats, making it both filling and good for you.
A healthy, tasty, and cozy Lentil Curry recipe that can be made for any event. This easy-to-make food is not only tasty but also full of nutrients that will keep you feeling great. Try it, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your favorite dinners.
Enjoy!
