Save to Pinterest A comforting, rustic one-pot meal featuring nutty whole wheat berries, tender lentils, and a richly spiced tomato curry. Perfect for a wholesome, warming dinner.
This cozy lentil curry has become a favorite in our home for its hearty flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat berries: 1 cup, rinsed
- Dried brown or green lentils: 1 cup, rinsed
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 2 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1 tsp
- Turmeric: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp, optional for heat
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt: for serving, optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and ginger sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add carrots and bell pepper cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Step 5:
- Add wheat berries and lentils. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine scraping up any browned bits.
- Step 6:
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 50 minutes or until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry is thickened. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
- Step 7:
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice and half the chopped cilantro.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot garnished with remaining cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish with family moments creates warmth and comfort around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with naan or crusty bread for a heartier meal and pair with a dry Riesling or light-bodied red wine.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat gluten. Dairy may be present if serving with Greek yogurt use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 410, total fat 7 g, carbohydrates 71 g, protein 18 g.
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This lentil curry is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
Questions & Answers
- → How do wheat berries affect the texture?
Wheat berries provide a chewy, nutty texture that complements the softness of the lentils, adding a hearty bite to the dish.
- → Can I use other legumes instead of lentils?
Yes, alternatives like chickpeas or split peas can be used, but cooking times may vary to achieve tenderness.
- → What spices give this dish its warm flavor?
A blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes creates the warm, aromatic profile.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Substitute wheat berries with brown rice or quinoa to keep it gluten-free while maintaining the dish's hearty nature.
- → What herbs enhance the final flavor?
Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish, adding freshness and balance to the rich spices.