Transform inexpensive red lentils into a filing and flavourful meal in about 30 minutes.
These 1-Pot Spicy Coconut Lentils have a creamy coconut base flavoured with ginger, jalapeno, carrot, and orange.
Taste Profile: A coconut base thats mildly spicy and bright with orange
The Perfect Pairing: Jasmine rice
Dietary Details: Plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free (without garnish)
Time Commitment: About 30 minutes.
Make Ahead: Yes! Keeps well for 3-4 days.
Ingredients
Tips: About Split red lentils
Split red lentils are so versatile! They don't have a lot of flavour on their own, so they will absorb whatever spices and ingredients you include in the dish.
Split red lentils are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein, with about 18 grams of protein per 1 cooked cup.
Split red lentils do not need to be soaked before cooking. Their cook time is usually under 15 minutes. Older lentils may take a bit longer to cook.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Coconut Lentils pair well with Jasmine rice, or you could substitute brown or white rice.
Visual Overview: Making 1-Pot Spicy Coconut Lentils
Recipe Card
1-Pot Spicy Coconut Red Lentils
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup carrot, finely diced
- 1/3 cup ginger, finely diced
- 1/3 cup jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 300 grams red lentils
- 3 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup dried mango, apricot, or peach, cut in thin strips
- 3 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Put the coconut milk, red lentils, jalapeno, ginger, and carrot into a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce down to a simmer. Stir every few minutes and cook until the coconut milk is mostly absorbed, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach, orange juice and zest, and dried apricots (or peaches or mangoes). Cook for 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the orange juice is absorbed.
- Taste the lentils. They should be easy to bite through. If not, add about 1/4 cup of water to the pot and cook until absorbed and then taste again. [Repeat as needed. Older lentils may take longer to cook.]
- Once the lentils are cooked to your liking, add salt to taste. I usually add at least 1/2 teaspoon, but start with less and add more if desired.