Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of this Vegan Lentil Curry with Coconut Milk. This recipe is a celebration of fascinating spices, hearty lentils, and creamy coconut milk, resulting in a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein and nutrients.
Vegan Lentil Curry with Coconut Milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lentils
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat coconut oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Spice it Up
- Add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon to the pot.
- Stir the spices into the onion mixture, allowing them to toast and become aromatic, about 1 minute.
4. Cook the Lentils
- Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and stir to coat them with the spices.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the curry cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Vegan Lentil Curry over cooked rice or with warm naan bread.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.
This Vegan Lentil Curry with Coconut Milk is the perfect dish to warm your soul and nourish your body. Enjoy the creaminess of the coconut milk and the bold flavors of the spices in every comforting bite. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences.