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4.3 from 165 votes

Lentil Curry Recipe (Stove or Instant Pot)

This easy lentil curry made with curry powder, garam masala, and other spices is perfect over white rice or cauliflower rice as a vegetarian main dish or as a side with coconut chicken curry.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 216 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1/8 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 Roma (plum tomatoes, diced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic 
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 cup dried red lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • chopped fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Select the Sauté setting on your Instant Pot or multicooker.
  2. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat.
  3. Serve the lentils over the rice or cauliflower rice, topped with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
  4. Place the cumin seeds in the inner pot and toast until fragrant and browned, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, garam masala, curry powder, coriander, salt, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  5. Place the cumin seeds in the pot and toast until fragrant and browned, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, onion, garlic,
  6. Stir in the lentils plus 4 cups water.
  7. garam masala, curry powder, coriander, salt, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  8. Seal the pot and pressure-cook for 20 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
  9. Stir in the lentils plus 4 cups water. Bring to a boil then cook covered on low, 20 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender and cooked.

Notes

  • Store any left- overs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month. The curry is even more delicious the next day!

Nutrition Information

Serving 11/3 cups Calories 216kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 294mg (12%) Fiber 8g (32%) Sugar 7g (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 216

% Daily Value*

Serving 11/3 cups
Calories 216kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 294mg 12%
Fiber 8g 32%
Sugar 7g 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.