Lentils are a great addition to your regular weeknight meals. They are not only really easy to make, but they are also good for your body. Lentils can take on a variety of flavor profiles, and one of my favorites happens to be Red Thai Curry Lentils. The slightly spicy kick that comes from red curry pairs perfectly with lentils and coconut milk. Serve the lentils over rice for a meatless meal that is packed full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for any chilly night and you will love knowing that you are feeding your family something that is healthy and satisfying.
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Note: Red Thai curry powder is a little spicier than regular yellow curry, so if you are looking for a completely non-spicy dish, yellow curry could be substituted here.
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Things You'll Need
2 cups of lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 tablespoon oil (can be vegetable, olive, or whatever oil you have on hand)
1 diced onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoon red Thai curry powder
1 tablespoon water
1 can of coconut milk
Cilantro for garnish
Fresh lime wedges for garnish
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add oil to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to the pan and sauté for about five minutes until the onions are translucent.
Step 2: Add Spices
In a small bowl, make a paste by stirring together the red Thai curry powder with 1 tablespoon of water, and add into the pot with the onions. Add the bay leaf at this time and sauté the seasoning with the onions to bring out the flavors for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add in Lentils
Add the lentils to the pot with the seasonings and onions, and cook for two minutes to simply toast the lentils and give them good flavor.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Add the broth at this time along with the rest of the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and let the lentils simmer until tender about thirty minutes.
Tip
Be sure to check your liquid during the cook time. If too much broth has evaporated, add some water and continue to cook until the lentils are tender.
Step 5: Add Coconut Milk
Once the lentils are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, you will add the coconut milk and stir to combine. Heat through about five minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Taste your lentils and adjust salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the lentils over rice or by themselves and garnish with cilantro and fresh lime juice.
Why not take a break from meat protein every once in a while and add lentils to your grocery list? This red Thai curry recipe is so delicious, satisfying, and super nutritious!