Spicy Red Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk & Spinach

This Indian stew was fast to prepare, loaded with spices and flavor, and was absolutely fabulous. What a combination! If that wasn’t enough, it was also a hearty vegetarian dish with a little bit of heat. All my favorites.

This recipe is from Milk Street: The New Home Cooking by Christopher Kimball. It is a simplified version of a classic Goan dish. I increased the amount of onion and served the stew with warm naan and chopped grape tomatoes on the side as an optional garnish.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 T coconut or peanut oil
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• kosher salt
• 3 tsp finely grated fresh ginger, divided
• 2 tsp yellow or brown mustard seeds
• 2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp freshly ground fennel seeds
• 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 13.5 to 14 oz can coconut milk
• 1 cup split red lentils, rinsed
• 6 oz (about 6 cups) baby spinach, roughly chopped
• juice of 1/2 to 1 lime
• unsweetened coconut flakes, for garnish, optional
• chopped tomatoes, for garnish, optional

1. In a large saucepan over medium to medium-high, combine the onion, oil, garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and are just beginning to color, 7 to 9 minutes.
3. Stir in 2 teaspoons of the grated ginger, the mustard seed, turmeric, coriander, fennel, and red pepper flakes.
4. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the water, coconut milk, and lentils, then bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the lentils have broken down, about 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Uncover and stir in the spinach; return to a simmer.
8. Off the heat, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of grated ginger and the lime juice.
9. Season with salt to taste.
10. Serve, garnished with coconut flakes and chopped tomatoes, as desired.

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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