Name: Hearty Madras Lentils
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp grated ginger root; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 14-oz can tomato sauce; 1 cup uncooked lentils (brown, black, or green); 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garam masala (optional); 1 can small red beans or kidney beans; 1/2 cup coconut milk or plant-based cream (optional); Chopped cilantro for garnish; Sliced green onions for garnish

Description

Delicious lentils in a flavorful (but not spicy) sauce. Quick to make in an Instant Pot, slow-cooker, or on the stove.

Ingredients

Scale

1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp grated ginger root
2 cups vegetable broth
1 14-oz can tomato sauce
1 cup uncooked lentils (brown, black, or green)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garam masala (optional)
1 can small red beans or kidney beans
1/2 cup coconut milk or plant-based cream (optional)
Chopped cilantro for garnish
Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Instant Pot: Set to Saute setting for 6 minutes. Saute onion, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and spices until onions are fragrant and soft. Add tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and lentils. Set to High Pressure for 10 minutes (red lentils) or 15 minutes (brown, black, or green lentils). Quick or naturally release.
Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients except tomato sauce. Cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until lentils are tender. Stir in tomato sauce.
Stove top: Saute onions, bell pepper, and ginger in a splash of water on high for 5-10 minutes. Add garlic and spices and cook 2 minutes more. Add remaining ingredients except tomato sauce and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in tomato sauce and heat through.
Finish: For any method, stir in the can of red beans and coconut milk or cream if desired. Serve with cilantro, green onions, rice, or naan.

Notes

Using smoked paprika provides a better flavor than regular paprika. Use red lentils for a softer, mushier texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 222 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 634 mg
Fat: 1.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 8.3 g
Protein: 13.9 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: indian, instant pot, lentils, madras