Easy Vegan Lentil Curry
Serving Size: 4 people
DESCRIPTION
This vegan lentil curry is a flavorful protein-packed dish infused with bold spices. It's so easy to prepare using an instant pot with all healthy gluten-free ingredients. Serve it with a side of flat bread or healthy grains.
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 whole dried chilis
- 10 whole curry leaves
- ½ cup onions diced
- 3 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced or paste
- 1 tablespoon green chilis diced
- 2 teaspoon ginger grated, minced or paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water
- cilantro leaves garnish
Ground Spices
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
METHOD
- Dice up the onion, green chilis, ginger and garlic (if they are not already grated or as paste.
- Wash and drain lentils (dal). Set aside.
- Set Instapot on sauté mode, and let it heat. Heat oil and then add the mustard seeds. Once the mustard seeds start popping, then add onions and asafoetida (hing).
- Once the onions are translucent and fragrant, then add the garlic, ginger, dried chilis and curry leaves.
- Next, the remaining spices: curry powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, along 1 cup of water. Note: If the tempering seems to dry up at anytime, adding water helps the spices from burning.
- Cook the spices for a minute and then add the tomato paste, red lentils and 3 cups of water.
- Change the Instapot mode to pressure cook. Pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with a drizzle of vegan yogurt with a side of naan, roti or rice.
NOTES
- Use fresh spices: Make sure to store your spices in a cool, dark, and dry place to ensure they maintain a vibrant flavor. If they smell bland, it’s probably time to purchase some more.
- Rinse the lentils: Before cooking the lentils, make sure to thoroughly rinse them and check for pebbles that may have been missed.
- Add liquids: If the lentils are looking too dry, add more water or broth to thin the curry and ensure the lentils properly cook.
NUTRITION
Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 137g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2794mg | Potassium: 2541mg | Fiber: 62g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 2675IU | Vitamin C: 431mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 18mg
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