Red Lentil Veg Curry

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Our latest NutritionConfidence recipe, created by registered dietitian Alex Royal, is a delicious Red Lentil Veg Curry, filled with veggies, herbs and aromatic spices.

We love lentils. Not only are they a great plant protein (containing the third highest levels of protein of all legumes and nuts) but they are also a great source of soluble and insoluble fibre, folate and magnesium, which all contribute to a healthy heart!

This recipe is super easy and quick, so ideal for weeknight dinners and the leftovers are great for a work lunch the next day. 

INGREDIENTS (serves 1)

1/2 cup red lentils, raw, making 1 cup cooked

2 handfuls baby spinach

1/2 small onion

1 large tomato

1 clove garlic

Salt and pepper

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tbsp coriander

1 tsp cumin

Fresh chopped chilli (to your taste)

1 tbsp olive oil

Fresh coriander

PREPARATION

Boil the lentils until tender.

Finely chop the garlic & fry in the olive oil, at medium heat, in a large pot. 

Add the spices, salt, pepper and chilli and fry for about 5 minutes.

Chop the baby spinach, onion and tomato. Add into the pot and fry on low for 5-10 minutes.

Mix the lentils into the mixture.

Top with coriander.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Per serving:

Energy: 245 kCal

Carbohydrates: 23g

Protein: 10g

Fat: 14g

 

Lentil, Pea and Sweet Potato Curry

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Food blogger, Taryn Littleton, created this delicious curry for us.

We love the legume and sweet potato combo – both are sources of low glycemic index carbohydrates, rich in slowly digested starch and fibre, helping to control blood sugar levels.

Also, eating dry beans, peas and lentils at least 4 times a week can help prevent chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and overweight, as well as improving gut health.

 

INGREDIENTS (serves 6)

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (crushed)
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped or grated
  • 2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground tumeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
  • 1/2 cup red lentils
  • 5 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup reduced fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

METHOD 

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and cook the onions for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the garlic, carrot, ginger, ground coriander, cumin, turmeric and chili and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the potato and lentils and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
  3. Add the tomatoes, coconut milk, stock, garam masala, salt and sugar, bring to the boil and cover with a lid.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. While the curry simmers, cook the rice.
  6. Add the peas to the curry and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from the heat and stir in the coriander and lemon juice.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Tomato and onion salsa: Combine 2 tomatoes chopped and ½ onion finely chopped. Season, mix and enjoy served with your curry.

Serve on a bed of rice with a dollop of plain yoghurt and with a tomato and onion salsa.

VARIATIONS

  • Replace the coriander with fresh mint. Serve with naan bread instead of rice.
  • For more nutrients add in a cup of frozen veg.

NUTRITION INFORMATION per serving (excludes serving suggestions, recipe serves 6)

Energy: 1316 kJ Protein: 10.6 g Carbohydrate: 52.0 g Of which, total sugars: 9.4 g Fat: 8.2 g Fibre: 10.0 g Sodium: 302 mg

Source and image: Taryn Littleton for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa