Madras Lentils

Warm, creamy, and packed with aromatic spices, Madras Lentils is the ultimate comfort food inspired by the rich culinary traditions of India. This hearty dish combines tender brown lentils and kidney beans in a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant garam masala, cumin, and coriander. A dash of heavy cream adds a velvety finish, while fresh cilantro brightens each bite. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this one-pot recipe is easy to prepare, with just 20 minutes of prep time and a slow simmer to bring out bold, authentic flavors. Serve it with basmati rice or warm naan for a soul-satisfying vegetarian meal that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Ideal for fans of Indian cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Search-friendly keywords: Madras Lentils recipe, Indian lentil curry, vegetarian comfort food, easy one-pot lentils.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 unit medium onion
• 3 units garlic cloves
• 1 inch piece ginger
• 2 cups tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned kidney beans
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the butter or oil.

Step 3

Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 5

Mince the garlic cloves and ginger, then add them to the pot. Stir well and cook for another minute.

Step 6

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and the oil starts to separate, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.

Step 8

Add the rinsed lentils and mix thoroughly with the spice mixture.

Step 9

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Step 11

Add the canned kidney beans, including their liquid, stirring to combine.

Step 12

Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to thicken.

Step 13

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 14

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1811.9 grams (1811.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1272

Total Fat 68.00g	87%
Saturated Fat 39.30g	197%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 182mg	61%
Sodium 3033mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 121.60g	44%
Dietary Fiber 40.00g	143%
Total Sugars 19.10g
Protein 42.00g	84%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 308mg	24%
Iron 20mg	109%
Potassium 2934mg	62%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 38.4%