Spiced Lentil and Tomato Curry
Dive into this delicious Spiced Lentil and Tomato Curry, where hearty lentils meet the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and creamy coconut milk! With a symphony of spices to elevate your taste buds, this dish comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Get ready to savor every spoonful!
Prep
10
min
Cook
30
min
Serves
4
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 4🥬Fresh Produce(4)
- some garlic and ginger blocks
- 1 diced onion
- 2 tins of cut tomato
- splash of water
🥛Dairy & Eggs(1)
- some ghee
🫙Pantry Staples(3)
- some coconut milk
- some tin lentils
- splash of olive oil
🧂Spices & Seasonings(8)
- coriander
- cumin
- cumin seeds
- some fresh coriander on topoptional
- some garam masala
- paprika
- some salt
- turmeric
📦Other(2)
- some fresh green chilies
- some red chili flakesoptional
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat a splash of olive oil and some ghee in a pan.
- 2
Add cumin seeds and cook for about 20 seconds.
- 3
Add 1 diced onion and cook until softened.
- 4
Add garlic and ginger blocks, a splash of water, and fresh green chilies.
- 5
Stir in turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, and garam masala.
- 6
Add a splash of water and ensure enough oil is in the pan.
- 7
Add 2 tins of cut tomatoes and some tin lentils.
- 8
Season with salt and stir.
- 9
Pour in some coconut milk and stir through.
- 10
Put the lid on and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- 11
Finish with some red chili flakes and fresh coriander on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toast whole cumin seeds at 300-325°F for 45-60 seconds until they darken and release oils - this develops 3x more flavor compounds than using pre-ground cumin.technique300-325°F, 45-60 seconds
- ✓Add spices to the pan when oil temperature reaches 275-300°F (shimmering but not smoking) so volatile compounds bloom without burning bitter.timing275-300°F
- ✓Use a 2:1 ratio of ghee to olive oil because ghee's higher smoke point (485°F) prevents burning while olive oil adds fruity notes that complement tomatoes.ingredient2:1 ratio, 485°F smoke point
- ✓Simmer canned tomatoes for 15-20 minutes to reduce water content by 30-40% and concentrate flavors while breaking down cell walls for smoother texture.timing15-20 minutes, 30-40% reduction
- ✓Add lentils in the final 10 minutes of cooking to prevent them from breaking down into mush - they only need reheating since they're pre-cooked.timing10 minutes
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