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–+ servings

Spiced Lentils with Tomatoes and Tamarind

Spiced Lentils
An outrageously delicious supper dish that improves in the fridge, and makes plenty of leftovers
Freya
5 from 52 votes
Prep 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups Red Lentils - rinsed in a sieve
  • 4 cups Water
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1 tsp Asofoetida
  • 2 tsp Mustard Seeds
  • 1 Onion - large, peeled and cut into rings
  • 2 Red Chilis - chopped.
  • 2 tsp Curry powder - use more if your powder is mild
  • 250 g Tomatoes - fresh, cut into large chunks
  • 14.5 oz can tomatoes
  • ½ Coriander - bunch
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Tamarind - paste, or use lemon juice
  • Fried Onions - optional

Instructions

  • Place the rinsed lentils into a large pan with the water. Bring up to a boil, cover and turn down to a simmer.
  • Simmer the lentils until they start to break up when pressed with the back of a spoon.
  • Whilst the lentils are simmering, prepare the tomato/tamarind sauce.
  • Add the coconut oil to a frying pan or saucepan and heat until it starts to shimmer.
  • Add the mustard seeds and asofoetida to the hot oil and stir briskly for 30 seconds.
  • Add the onions and chili, and turn the heat down.
  • Sauté until onions are pale golden brown and smell delicious!
  • Add the tomatoes, both tinned and fresh, curry powder, chopped coriander, and salt. Add 1½ cups water. Bring up to a brisk simmer.
  • Simmer for another 5 minutes before stirring in the tamarind (or lemon juice).
  • Add this spicy mixture to your softened lentils and stir until completely combined.
  • Simmer for another 15 minutes.
  • Taste for seasoning and then serve, over rice or noodles, sprinkled with fried onions.

Please note that where the recipe asks for milk, butter or yogurt, this refers to any plant-based version that you prefer.

Nutrition Facts
Spiced Lentils with Tomatoes and Tamarind
Amount per Serving
Calories
345
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6
g
9
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Sodium
 
502
mg
22
%
Potassium
 
1019
mg
29
%
Carbohydrates
 
54
g
18
%
Fiber
 
25
g
104
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
21
g
42
%
Vitamin A
 
520
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
 
24
mg
29
%
Calcium
 
85
mg
9
%
Iron
 
7
mg
39
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.