Spiced Lentils
A hearty and aromatic lentil dish featuring warming spices, shredded coconut, tart apples, and fresh lemon juice, perfect for comforting meals and those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups raw lentils, soaked ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- a few tablespoons water ⓘ
- freshly grated black pepper to taste
- juice from 1 large lemon ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped tart apple ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lentils in 2 1/4 cups water, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, in a deep heavy skillet, cook the butter, crushed garlic, minced onion, chopped celery, salt, powdered ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and ground coriander until tender, adding water as needed to prevent sticking.
- Add the chopped tart apples to the skillet and cook covered for 10 minutes.
- Combine the cooked apple mixture with the cooked lentils in a casserole dish.
- Cover and keep warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, stir in freshly grated black pepper and lemon juice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth while cooking the lentils. If you're short on time, canned lentils can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can elevate the flavor. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish can also be transformed into a dip, similar to a Lentil Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced lentils as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Zucchini, Tomato And Swiss Cheese Pie or Greek Spinach-Cheese Pie. Garnish with fresh herbs and a dollop of Spiced Yogurt Dressing for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Lentils contains roughly 519 calories, with 13g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (205% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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 different types of lentils for this recipe?
While the recipe calls for raw lentils, you can use green or brown lentils as a substitute. However, avoid using red lentils, as they cook faster and may become mushy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the lentils maintain their shape.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes.
What kind of apples work best for this dish?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for this recipe, as they provide a nice contrast to the spices and lentils. Their tartness balances the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile while preventing it from becoming too sweet.
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).