Indian Lentils And Spinach
A hearty and flavorful Indian-inspired lentil and spinach dish featuring aromatic spices, tender lentils, and fresh greens, perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped red, green or yellow sweet peppers ⓘ
- 1/2 c. coarsely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. dry brown lentils, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 14 oz. can chicken broth
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 6 c. baby spinach leaves
- 2 Tbsp. snipped fresh mint (optional) ⓘ
- plain yogurt (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large saucepan.
- Cook sweet peppers, onion, garlic, and curry powder in hot butter for 1 minute.
- Stir in lentils, chicken broth, water, and black pepper.
- Simmer, covered, about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl; add spinach and toss until spinach is wilted.
- If desired, serve with mint and yogurt.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic along with the onions and peppers. If you want a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk during the final stages of cooking. For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also be a lovely addition, complementing the dish beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with naan or basmati rice for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dinner, you might serve it with Chicken Curry With Mushrooms or explore more Indian recipes to create a diverse spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Lentils And Spinach contains roughly 254 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of lentils for this recipe?
While brown lentils are recommended for their texture, you can substitute with green lentils. Avoid red lentils as they cook faster and may become mushy. Adjust cooking time accordingly if using a different type.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This lentil and spinach dish holds up well in the fridge and even improves in flavor over time. Just make sure to store it in individual portions for easy reheating during busy weekdays.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the lentils and spinach. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).