Tomato Lentil Curry

Tomato Lentil Curry is a comforting, hearty dish that’s full of protein, fiber, and daring Indian-inspired flavors. This straightforward one-pot meal combines tender lentils with juicy tomatoes, heat spices, and recent herbs — good for a healthful lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Lentil Curry is nourishing, budget-friendly, and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, but so satisfying and stuffed with taste. You possibly can take pleasure in it by itself, serve it over rice or quinoa, or pair it with heat naan bread for an entire, cozy meal. Plus, it’s nice for meal prep!

Elements

(Tip: You’ll discover the complete checklist of substances and measurements within the recipe card beneath.)

• Pink or inexperienced lentils, rinsed
• Canned diced tomatoes or recent tomatoes, chopped
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Recent ginger, grated
• Coconut milk or vegetable broth
• Olive oil or coconut oil
• Floor cumin
• Floor coriander
• Floor turmeric
• Garam masala
• Pink chili flakes or recent chili (optionally available)
• Recent cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to style
• Recent lemon or lime juice (optionally available, for serving)

Instructions

1. In a big pot or Dutch oven, warmth the oil over medium warmth. Add the chopped onion and sauté till gentle and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir within the garlic and ginger, cooking for one more minute till aromatic.
3. Add the bottom cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Pour within the diced tomatoes and lentils, then add the coconut milk or vegetable broth. Stir to mix.
5. Convey to a boil, then scale back warmth and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or till the lentils are tender and the curry has thickened. Stir often and add extra liquid if wanted.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes to style.
7. Garnish with recent cilantro and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice earlier than serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–half-hour to prepare dinner.

Variations

• Add diced candy potatoes, carrots, or spinach for further veggies.
• Use inexperienced or brown lentils for a barely firmer texture.
• Stir in a scoop of plain yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free) for further creaminess.
• Modify the warmth by including roughly chili flakes or recent chili.

Storage/Reheating

Retailer leftover Tomato Lentil Curry in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or within the microwave, including a splash of water or broth if wanted to loosen the consistency. This curry additionally freezes effectively for as much as 2–3 months — thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

FAQs

Can I exploit canned lentils?

Sure, however scale back the cooking time since canned lentils are already cooked. Add them after the tomatoes have simmered.

Is that this curry spicy?

It’s delicate as written, however you possibly can alter the warmth by including roughly chili.

Can I make this oil-free?

Sure! Sauté the onions in a splash of vegetable broth as an alternative of oil.

What can I serve with Tomato Lentil Curry?

It’s scrumptious over rice, quinoa, or with naan or roti.

How do I thicken the curry?

Let it simmer uncovered longer to cut back the liquid, or mash some lentils with a spoon.

Can I exploit different forms of lentils?

Sure! Pink lentils prepare dinner rapidly and turn into creamy, whereas inexperienced or brown lentils maintain their form extra.

How lengthy does it preserve within the fridge?

As much as 4 days in an hermetic container.

Does it freeze effectively?

Sure, it freezes superbly for as much as 2–3 months.

Can I add coconut cream as an alternative of coconut milk?

Sure, for an additional wealthy and creamy texture.

How do I make it extra flavorful?

Style and alter seasonings — add extra spices, recent herbs, or a squeeze of citrus for brightness.

Conclusion

Tomato Lentil Curry is a simple, nourishing dish that’s stuffed with taste and ideal for any day of the week. Whether or not you’re meal prepping, feeding a household, or cooking for your self, this cozy curry is certain to fulfill. Get pleasure from it recent, reheat it for leftovers, and savor the scrumptious mix of spices and hearty lentils each time!

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