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Madras Lentils Recipe (Tasty Bite Copycat)

With over a dozen 5-star reviews, this Madras lentils recipe combines hearty lentils with a creamy tomato sauce for the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep main! Inspired by the Tasty Bite Madras lentil pouches, it is incredibly easy, nourishing, and delicious.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 302 kcal
Course: Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter 28 g
  • 1 yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • ¼ cup tomato paste 60 g
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground coriander seed
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth 1 L
  • 1 cup dry black lentils can sub brown lentils, 180 g
  • 1 15-oz can Kidney Beans drained, 425 g
  • ½ cup half and half use canned coconut milk for vegan option, 120 mL
  • To serve: cilantro, naan, rice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Aromatics: Heat 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large pot or skillet over medium/high heat. Add 1 yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper, 4 cloves garlic, and 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Flavor It Up: Stir in ¼ cup tomato paste, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, ¾ tsp salt, ½ tsp ground coriander seed, and ½ tsp cayenne pepper. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes (this will transform the tomato flavor from sour to savory).
  3. Lentils: Add 4 cups vegetable broth and 1 cup dry black lentils. Cover and let gently simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  4. Rice: If serving with rice, get that cooking now according to the instructions on the package.
  5. Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in 1 15-oz can kidney beans and ½ cup half and half. Serve warm over rice, topped with cilantro and served with naan.

Notes

  • Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, this recipe reheats well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Storage: These will last for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove top.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving (without rice or naan) Calories 302kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 35.9g (12%) Protein 16.2g (32%) Fat 11.6g (18%) Saturated Fat 6.4g (32%) Cholesterol 26mg (9%) Sodium 1497mg (62%) Potassium 1030mg (29%) Fiber 12g (48%) Sugar 7.2g (14%) Calcium 125mg (13%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 302

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving (without rice or naan)
Calories 302kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 35.9g 12%
Protein 16.2g 32%
Fat 11.6g 18%
Saturated Fat 6.4g 32%
Cholesterol 26mg 9%
Sodium 1497mg 62%
Potassium 1030mg 22%
Fiber 12g 48%
Sugar 7.2g 14%
Calcium 125mg 13%
Iron 4mg 22%

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