The first time I made this was with my mom in the summer of 2020. I spent a lot of that year in the kitchen trying out new recipes. My mom and I kept coming back to this one because of its simplicity. Just a few pantry staples and a bit of time on the stove leaves you with a filling and wholesome meal.
What I love most about these lentils is how forgiving they are. Once the lentils are simmering, the rest of the dish comes together with onions, garlic, ginger, and warm spices that build flavor little by little. The result is rich and comforting without being heavy, and it only gets better as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers the next day.
This recipe has become one of those dependable meals I turn to when I want something nourishing without a lot of fuss. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you how satisfying simple cooking can be—humble ingredients, a few spices, and enough time for everything to come together in the pot.
Serve these lentils over rice, with warm naan, or alongside roasted vegetables. However you plate them, they make a cozy, nourishing meal that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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Spiced Lentils Recipe
Prep Time
X
Cook Time
X
Serves
X
Ingredients
Lentils
- 1 cup (200 g) green lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups (720 ml) water or vegetable broth
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp salt
Aromatics
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- ½ medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
Spices
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp chili powder or paprika
- ½ tsp garam masala
Finish
- 1 small tomato, diced (or ½ cup canned tomatoes)
- juice of ½ lemon or lime
- salt to taste
- fresh cilantro
Steps
1
Cook the lentils
In a pot, such as this Yellow Dutch Oven, combine: lentils, water, tumeric
Bring to a boil, then simmer 25–30 minutes until tender.
2
Make the spice base
In a skillet heat oil over medium heat.
Add: cumin seeds
Cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add: onion
Cook 5–6 minutes until soft.
Add: garlic, ginger
Cook 1 minute.
3
Add spices
Stir in: coriander, cumin powder, chili powder, garam masala
Cook 30 seconds.
4
Add tomatoes
Add diced tomato and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
5
Combine
Pour the spice mixture into the lentils.
Simmer 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
Add lemon juice and adjust salt.
To Serve
Top with:
- cilantro
- yogurt
- chili oil
Serve with:
- rice
- naan
- roasted vegetables