Madras Lentils Recipe (Tasty Bite Copycat)

4.79 from 33 ratings

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 Time5

Cook Time40

Total Time45

Course: Main Dishes, Soups

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword: black lentils, lentil recipe, madras lentils, meal prep lentils, tasty bite lentils

Diet: Vegetarian

Time: 45 minutes or less

Servings: servings

Author: Sarah Bond

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

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.
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).
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.
Rice: If serving with rice, get that cooking now according to the instructions on the package.
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.

Video

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