Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
Are you ready for your new favorite weeknight meal? Because these spicy coconut curry lentils are it! Both vegan and gluten free, they are my definition of healthy comfort food. Curried lentils in a spicy, fragrant tomato curry sauce with sweet potatoes and carrots. Gimme these along with rice and naan and I’m ready for the long winter.
I want us to eat more beans. Of all the foods, I think this is one we should be adding to our plates more often. Well, OK, we probably should be eating more vegetables as well. Vegetables and beans!? That’s the stuff my dietitian heart is made of.
Why more beans? For one, they are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein. With roughly 16-20g of protein per serving, beans are a great way to meet your protein needs without eating, um, meat. Beans also contain fiber and antioxidants and they don’t contain cholesterol, saturated fat or hormones like their animal counterparts.
Beans are also linked to longevity! Swapping in beans and other dried pulses, like lentils, for even a few servings a week can reduce cancer, heart disease and diabetes risk. Pretty awesome, right?
Ready in just 30 minutes, these are the definition of an easy meal idea. Make the sauce, add the cooked lentils, coconut milk and tomato sauce and let simmer until thick and creamy.
For a fast weeknight approach, I use precooked lentils that I get in the produce section of the grocery store. If you’ve got more time, then cook the lentils from dried ahead of time.
Here’s a tip for spice-filled recipes like this one. Add the dried spices to the sauté pan with the softened vegetables and the oil. Allowing the spices to bloom in the oil creates much more flavor than adding them to the sauce itself. You’ll also want to cook the vegetables down so the onion is soft and caramelized and the potatoes and carrots are softened.
That’s it! Now, enjoy this beautiful pan of spicy coconut curry lentils.
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
PrintSpicy Coconut Curry Lentils! These lentils are the perfect quick weeknight meal. Curried lentils in a tomato coconut sauce, ready in just 30 minutes! Vegan and Gluten-free.
Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge
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(2 comments) leave a comment
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit! I left out the jalapeño and only did 1/4 tsp of cayenne since I’m breastfeeding and the level of heat was perfect. It was super easy to make as well! This is the first of your recipes I’ve tried and I’m so excited to try more!
Yay! So glad you liked it!