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bowl of lentil curry with chopped cilantro as garnish

lentil curry

Lentils are an amazing brain food. They have protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protective antioxidants. This lentil curry is extremely easy to make, freezes well, and can be cooked quickly in an InstantPot, or you can also make it over the stovetop. The blend of various spices make a rich curry flavor that is fragrant once blended with the creamy coconut milk and tomato paste. It can be a main dish over brown rice with some salad, or as a side dish with other courses.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 14 oz coconut milk
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups water, vegetable, or chicken broth

Equipment

  • Instant Pot optional

Method
 

  1. If using an Instant Pot, set it to saute function. Add the oil, finely chopped onion and garlic, and saute for about 5 minutes, until the onions turn translucent. Then add the dry ingredients: turmeric, curry powder, cumin, coriander and salt. Continue to stir for about 30 seconds. Then add the coconut milk, tomato paste, rinsed lentils, and 3 cups of broth or water. Stir until everything is distributed evenly.
  2. Close and seal the lid. Stop the saute function and set the Instant Pot to Manual for 12 minutes. Once pressure cooking is done, allow it to naturally release pressure. Remove lid, give it a stir, and enjoy! You can store leftovers in small containers and freeze in batches for quick meals. Or, it can stay chilled in the fridge for about 4 days.
  3. If you do not have an Instant Pot, you can cook this over the stovetop. Once you pour all the wet ingredients in, bring the pot to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 45 minutes in low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once lentils are soft, you can remove from heat and enjoy and store as mentioned above.