If you follow my blog then you know how much I love a good slow-cooker dish. I wanted to make lentils, but they had to be just right! I always enjoy the lentil soup when I go to one of my favorite Indian restaurants, but I wanted to try them whole. I decided to go to old faithful Pinterest to browse around to see what I could find. I knew I wanted to merge some of my favorite spices. I love my Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup that I posted here. There’s something about curry + coconut. Mmmm! So why not Curry Lentils?
Let me just say…slow-cooker lentils are endless. So serious! I could not believe how much my slow-cooker produced. It was enough for an entire wedding party + guests. When I scooped out a serving to go over my steamed rice, I noticed that I didn’t even put a dent in the pot. *insert crazy pants face* (my nephew calls me that when I make crazy faces). The Curry Lentils were so flavorful and delicious. Next time I know to prepare them for a family gathering! With the 4th of July around the corner, it’s a great way to try something new other than traditional baked beans. If you like spice, don’t be afraid of it—spice makes food fun!
SLOW COOKER CURRY LENTILS
Ingredients
- 4 cups red lentils
- 2 onions diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ground or minced ginger
- 4 tablespoons organic ghee optional
- 5 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon of hot madras powder or to taste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoon of Truvia Baking Blend
- a few good shakes of cayenne pepper
- 2 cans tomato puree 29 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- ½ cup of light coconut milk
- naan bread and/or rice for serving
- cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and place them in a large slow-cooker.
- Add the diced onions, garlic, ghee, ginger, curry paste, hot madras curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, Truvia baking blend, and cayenne.
- Stir to combine.
- Pour just 1 can of tomato puree over the lentils. Stir to make sure that the lentils are covered with liquid. Reserve the second can for a refresher as your lentils cook down. *My lentils did not need two full cans.
- Place cover on lentils and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- Check on your lentils at least twice during cooking process. Note: Add more puree or water if needed if lentils look too dry. The lentils will soak up the liquid. I prefer my lentils thicken and less liquidy so I used more puree.
- Taste and season with salt. Lentils will be soft when they are done cooking.
- Stir in the coconut milk and sprinkle with cilantro just before serving.
- Serve over rice with naan bread---and enjoy!
Notes
- I used Truvia Baking Blend but you can use sugar. Light Coconut Milk instead of regular, cut the fat.
- Use Hot Madras Curry Powder if you like it Spicaaaayyyy.
- Use Organic Ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter or you can leave it out all together.
- Refill your can with water (if you do not want to use purée) if you feel they are drying out. I prefer sticking with the purée.
The lentils were a beautiful blend of spices and amazingness! Yes, I think I made that word up. Just make sure you cut the recipe in half if you are preparing them for a family of 6 or less. Can’t handle all of the spices? You can be easy on them.
ENJOY!
I’m not much of a lentils eater but the recipe sounds really good! Pinning for later.
I’m in love with this recipe!!!!! My one year old adores lentil and this would be awesome for her (il knock down the spice a touch) but delish for us!
Wow! That’s awesome!
Update (5minutes after my original comment promised my best friend I will make this for her upcoming pot luck!
Woo-hoo!!! I hope you all enjoyed them!
This looks yummy! I LOVE Curry! I’ll have to try this and the coconut curry butternut squash soup!
Yum! I’m all about my slow cooker!
Great recipe, but I totally got side tracked by your about me pic. Love your hair and smile. Gorgeous.
Thank you so much, Dee Dee!
That looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
Thanks Lauren!
My husband loves curry and I love lentils; perhaps this is our recipe of love. Let’s hope I don’t mess it up.
Looks great! My husband would love something like this!
Mine sure does! lol Thanks Amy!
I wish I had a big bowl of your curry lentils right now! This is my kind of cooking (and eating). Pinning and making it ASAP. Thanks!!!
Love lentils!
I love curry; my children don’t. I may have to halve this recipe for myself!
Haha! Well you’ll have plenty for yourself!