Healthy, low-cost dishes to make you smile

Tag: lentils

Lentil Stuffed Peppers with a Lemon Crumb

Lentil Stuffed Peppers with a Lemon Crumb

Pepper season is almost upon us and soon gardeners and markets will be awash with these veggies which are certainly a staple in my home. There’s a special place in my heart for the long pointed variety which have a thinner skin and flesh, making […]

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

On a gloomy day there is nothing more satisfying than a pie. And if you pie is also packed with veggies, fibre and good carbs you really are winning! This Lentil Shepherd’s Pie is brilliant for meal prep – make ahead and freeze in advance […]

Cauliflower and Lentil Curry

Cauliflower and Lentil Curry

I have a minor obsession with my children loving Indian food for no reason other than I love it myself and cannot wait to take them to India which I think is one of the most fascinating and special countries in the world. They love a Tadka Dal and with this in mind I made this Cauliflower and Lentil Curry.

To me Indian food is the perfect non-waste food as with a pinch of spice any leftover vegetables can become a delicious meal. Just a handful of lentils can be transformed into a feast. There is so much variety and that includes curries which are not hot. This one has no chilli in it at all and is perfect for anyone who prefers a flavoursome but mild curry. Of course you can also add some chill if you like things hot.

You will notice the cauliflower has been roasted first – I would urge you not to skip this step. The way in which this helps the cauliflower absorb the flavour and also match the softness of the lentils is what elevates this curry. I prep the cauliflower and pop it in the oven while I make the lentil sauce so it doesn’t take any longer. Although this is a creamier curry, it’s coconut which is adding the richness rather than cream so this is perfect for anyone who cannot eat dairy or vegan kids.

So was it a hit? Yes, not just with the kids but also my spice loving husband who decided not to add chilli to his as he liked it so much as it was!

Cauliflower and Lentil Curry

November 6, 2017
: 4 as a main, 6 as a side
: 10 min
: 25 min
: Easy

By:

Ingredients
  • For the roast cauliflower
  • I cauliflower split into florets
  • A spray of oil or 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • For the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 200g red lentils
  • 400ml can coconut milk
  • 200ml water
  • small bunch coriander, chopped
Directions
  • Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.
  • Step 2 Toss or spray the cauliflower and in oil and spread it out on a large oven tray. Sprinkle over the ground coriander. Roast for 25mins until soft but not falling apart.
  • Step 3 While it is cooking, fry the onion in a tablespoon of oil until it is soft (add a little water if it starts to dry out).
  • Step 4 Stir in the garam masala and turmeric, cook together with the onion for a couple of minutes then add the lentils, coconut milk and water.
  • Step 5 Bring up to the boil and simmer for 20mins. By now your cauliflower should be ready (if not just turn the heat off the sauce until it is), add to the sauce.
  • Step 6 Cook the lentil sauce and cauliflower together for another 10mins. If it looks too dry add just a bit more water. Stir through the chopped fresh coriander.

Beetroot, Lentil and Somac salad

Beetroot, Lentil and Somac salad

I love lentils. There, I’ve said it. They are so picked on and ignored as a foodstuff but do not deserve their bad press at all. A nutritional powerhouse, easy to cook and really cheap and filling too. Quite why they are so derided is […]