Creamy Red Lentil Curry

Welcome to our recipe corner! Today, we’re excited to share a hearty and flavorful recipe for Creamy Red Lentil Curry. This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients and rich spices, making it a perfect comfort meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Let’s get started and prepare this delicious curry that pairs wonderfully with bread or rice!

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup washed red lentils (200 grams)
  • Bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 chopped onion (200 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic (10 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (10 grams)
  • 80 grams grated carrots
  • 2 diced tomatoes (250 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (20 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Whole hot peppers (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups water, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh coriander
  • Olive oil (for tadka)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder or paprika

Instructions

Soak the Red Lentils:

  1. Soak Lentils:
    • Soak 1 cup of washed red lentils (200 grams) for 20 minutes.
    • Drain the water and transfer the lentils to a pot.
    • Cover the lentils with water, add bay leaves, and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric.
    • Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Soak the Cashews:

  1. Soak Cashews:
    • Soak 1/4 cup of cashews in hot water for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Sauté Onions:
    • In a separate wok or pot, add a little bit of vegetable oil.
    • Add 1 chopped onion (200 grams) and sauté until translucent.
  2. Add Vegetables and Spices:
    • Stir in 1 teaspoon each of garlic and ginger (10 grams each), 80 grams of grated carrots, 2 diced tomatoes (250 grams), and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (20 grams).
    • Add 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and paprika.
    • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
    • If desired, add whole hot peppers.
    • Pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Blend the Cashews:

  1. Blend Cashews:
    • Blend the soaked cashews until smooth.
    • Transfer the blended cashews into the sauce.
    • Rinse the blender with 1/2 cup of water to get all the cashew cream out and add this to the sauce.
    • Cover and cook over medium heat for 5 more minutes.

Combine Lentils and Sauce:

  1. Combine Lentils and Sauce:
    • After 20 minutes of cooking the lentils, discard the bay leaves.
    • Add the cooked lentils to the sauce.
    • Season with salt and adjust the thickness of the curry with water to your desired consistency.
    • Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.
    • Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh coriander and remove from heat.

Prepare the Tadka:

  1. Prepare Tadka:
    • In a sauté pan, add a little bit of olive oil.
    • Stir in 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes and 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder or paprika.
    • Pour the tadka over the curry in the serving bowl.

Serve:

  1. Serve:
    • Serve the curry hot with bread or rice.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy red lentil curry pairs wonderfully with naan, roti, or steamed rice. It also makes a great accompaniment to a fresh salad or vegetable side dish.

Cooking Tips

  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili flakes and chili powder.
  • For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the cooked lentils before adding them to the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins from the lentils and vegetables. It’s a wholesome meal that provides sustained energy and nourishment.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten-Free: Yes
  • Dairy-Free: Yes

Storage Tips

Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Red Lentil Curry is easy to prepare, packed with flavors, and incredibly nutritious. It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making it a perfect addition to your meal rotation.

Conclusion

Thank you for trying out our Creamy Red Lentil Curry recipe! We hope this delicious and nutritious dish becomes a staple in your kitchen. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for any meal, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with family and friends.

This recipe is not only satisfying but also adaptable to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional spices or vegetables to make it your own. We love hearing from you, so please share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments.