Golden Turmeric Coconut Red Lentil Stew

One-pot red lentils simmered with coconut milk, ginger, and greens for a sunshine-hued stew ready in under 40 minutes.

👅Flavor: Fragrant ginger, garlic, and turmeric bloom in coconut milk, balanced by lime, cilantro, and chili crisp heat.
Bowl of golden lentil stew topped with cilantro and chili oil
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Prep Time
10 minutes
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Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
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Servings
4 bowls
easy
Cuisine
Indian, Weeknight
Exotic level
wellness-bowl
Difficulty
easy
Diet
vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
Devices used
Stovetop
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Explore this recipe

Required Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Utilized Devices

Stovetop

Cooking Techniques

  • sautéing
  • simmering
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Ingredients

  • 30 mlCoconut oil
  • 150 gYellow oniondiced
  • 9 gGarlicminced
  • 15 gFresh gingergrated
  • 4 gGround turmeric
  • 2 gGaram masala
  • 6 gKosher salt
  • 1 gRed pepper flakes
  • 200 gSplit red lentilsrinsed
  • 400 mlFull-fat coconut milk
  • 720 mlVegetable broth
  • 140 gSweet potatodiced
  • 60 gBaby spinach
  • 30 mlLime juice
  • 15 gCilantrochopped
  • 15 gChili crispfor topping
  • 30 gToasted pumpkin seedsfor topping
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Instructions

1

Warm coconut oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5 minutes until translucent.

2

Stir in garlic, ginger, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3

Add lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and sweet potato. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and creamy.

4

Fold in spinach until wilted. Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chili crisp and pumpkin seeds.

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Chef Tips

  • Rinse lentils until the water runs mostly clear to prevent foaming and ensure even cooking.
  • If the stew thickens too much, splash with hot water or broth until silky.
  • Add a handful of frozen peas or cauliflower rice in the last 5 minutes for extra veg.
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Nutritional Highlights

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Calories per serving
420
  • 17 g plant protein per bowl
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free
  • Curcumin-rich turmeric adds anti-inflammatory benefits

Dietary Notes

Compliant With

vegetarianvegangluten-free

Allergens

  • Contains tree nuts (coconut)

FAQ

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen.

What can replace coconut milk?

Use cashew cream or light coconut milk plus 2 tablespoons almond butter for similar richness.

Nutrition

Calories420
Protein17 g
Carbs46 g
Fat18 g