Red Lentil Curry

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Posted on February 21, 2013
I used to think lentils didn't sound so fun - but this is, in fact, complete rubbish. Lentils are fun - and they are also really good for you, and for reducing cholesterol and staying healthy generally. They are also brilliantly easy to cook (green ones and red ones don't need soaking - this is useful to know unless you are über organised and plan all your meals in advance). In particular, this simple Red Lentil Curry recipe is very quick to prepare and cook... It is tasty, healthy and definitely a contender for the 'simplest, most delicious supper ever' award (if, indeed, there was one).

Ingredients

  • Red Lentils (a Mug)
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Red Pepper
  • 4 or 5 Large Cloves Garlic
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Garam Masala
  • 1 or 2 tsp Tamarind Paste
  • Fresh Red Chilli
  • Fresh Coriander

Chop the Onion and the Red Pepper and fry gently until starting to soften and go a little golden around the edges (low heat for 10 mins or so)

Measure out the spices and crush the Cloves Garlic – add both to the Onion Mix (maybe with some chopped Red Chilli if you like some heat).  Stir so the Garlic does not burn – but definitely give it a few minutes so that the spices cook through a little – they should start to smell really good

Pour the lentils into the pan – and add a dash of water.  Keep stirring so the lentils are covered in the curry mixture in the pan

Then add enough water (or weak stock) to nearly cover the lentils

Cook over a gentle to medium heat for 20 minutes or so, or until the red lentils are soft and starting to break up a little (this is good – makes the curry creamier) – this might take longer than 20 minutes and whilst cooking, add a little more water if it starts to look dry at all

Just before serving – taste and add a teaspoon of Tamarind Paste.  Taste again – it may need a little more to give it a little zing – but you may also like some Black Peppper, Salt or extra Chilli…

Serve with some chopped Cherry Tomatoes, some chopped Fresh Coriander and Rice or Flatbread

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