Spicy Red Lentil Curry

This Spicy Red Lentil Curry is a delightful dish that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for cozy winter nights or as a comforting meal any day of the week, this curry bursts with rich flavors and creamy texture. The combination of spices creates an aromatic experience, while the lentils ensure it’s hearty and filling. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delicious curry.
• Flavor Packed: The unique blend of spices makes each bite a burst of flavor, perfect for spice lovers.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, quinoa, or flatbread; it pairs well with many sides to suit your taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from lentils and healthy fats from coconut milk, this dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This curry stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having them ready will help streamline the process and enhance your enjoyment while preparing this dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep skillet
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep skillet: This allows for even cooking and provides enough space for all ingredients without overcrowding.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of spices in your spicy red lentil curry.
• Knife & cutting board: Sharp knives make chopping ingredients easy and safe; a stable board provides a secure surface for prep work.

Ingredients

This spicy red lentil curry is the ultimate cozy winter dish. It’s super creamy, cozy, and packed with spices.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (~190g) red lentils
– 4 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, finely minced
– 2 serrano peppers, finely minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– ½ tsp ground coriander
– 2 tsp curry powder
– 1 tsp garam masala
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1 tsp kosher salt, use more as needed
– 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
– 1 (13.5-ounce/400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
– 1 (14-ounce/400g) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

How to Make Spicy Red Lentil Curry

Step 1: Rinse the Lentils

Rinse the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear. Then soak overnight or at least for 6 hours. This will help the lentils cook faster and help improve the absorption of important nutrients.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and add in the avocado oil or olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering:
1. Add in the garlic, ginger, and serrano pepper.
2. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Spices

Add in the cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and black pepper:
1. Cook the mixture for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add in the rinsed lentils along with crushed tomatoes and coconut milk:
1. Mix well.
2. Reduce heat to low and partially cover with a lid.
3. Simmer on low heat for about 20 to 25 minutes until lentils are cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once cooked:
1. Stir in lemon juice and cilantro.
2. Adjust salt as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve your spicy red lentil curry warm with rice or flatbread. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Serve Spicy Red Lentil Curry

Spicy red lentil curry is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you prefer it with rice, bread, or something unique, there’s an option for everyone.

With Rice

• Basmati Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, basmati rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the curry beautifully.
• Brown Rice: A healthier alternative, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the creaminess of the curry.

With Flatbread

• Naan: Soft and pillowy naan is perfect for scooping up the curry, enhancing the eating experience.
• Roti: This whole wheat flatbread offers a slightly firmer texture and pairs well with the spices in the dish.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro Garnish: Sprinkling fresh cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a mild onion flavor and make for a great garnish.

As Part of a Platter

• Indian Thali: Serve spicy red lentil curry as part of a traditional Indian thali alongside various other dishes for a feast of flavors.

How to Perfect Spicy Red Lentil Curry

To ensure your spicy red lentil curry turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Soak Lentils: Soaking lentils overnight helps them cook faster and enhances nutrient absorption.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the number of serrano peppers based on your heat preference for customizable spice levels.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Stale spices can dull the taste of your curry.
• Simmer Slowly: Allowing the curry to simmer gently will help develop its rich flavors. Avoid rushing this step.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your dish before serving to adjust salt and spice levels as needed for balance.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Red Lentil Curry

Pairing side dishes with spicy red lentil curry elevates your meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt dip made with cucumber and spices that balances the heat of the curry.
2. Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy mango chutney adds a delightful contrast to the spiciness of the dish.
3. Papadums: Crispy lentil wafers that provide crunch and can be enjoyed alongside or dipped into the curry.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed seasonal vegetables add nutrition without overshadowing the flavors of the curry.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon dressing offers a healthy grain option packed with nutrients.
6. Pickled Onions: Tangy pickled onions bring acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the curry, enhancing each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Spicy Red Lentil Curry, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the lentils can lead to longer cooking times and less nutrient absorption. Always soak them for at least 6 hours.
• Using the wrong oil: Opting for oils with low smoke points can result in burnt flavors. Choose avocado or olive oil for better stability and taste.
• Not adjusting spices: Over or under-seasoning can alter the dish’s flavor dramatically. Taste as you cook and adjust spices gradually.
• Ignoring simmer time: Rushing the simmering process can yield hard lentils. Allow enough time for them to become soft and creamy.
• Forgetting lemon juice: Skipping the lemon juice at the end can make your curry taste flat. It adds a crucial zing that brightens the dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the curry to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Spicy Red Lentil Curry

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Spicy Red Lentil Curry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Spicy Red Lentil Curry:

How spicy is Spicy Red Lentil Curry?

The spiciness mainly depends on the amount of serrano peppers used. You can adjust it by reducing or omitting them if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I make Spicy Red Lentil Curry vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses coconut milk without any animal products.

What can I serve with Spicy Red Lentil Curry?

This flavorful curry pairs well with rice, naan bread, or any flatbread of your choice for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Spicy Red Lentil Curry?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or carrots for added nutrition. You can also adjust the spices according to your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Red Lentil Curry is not just tasty; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. This cozy dish is perfect for winter evenings and will surely become a favorite in your home. Give it a try today!