Creamy Golden Lentils
To future readers:
I made this honey-pot day 1 of the infamous 2020 coronavirus quarantine at my in-laws house and was immediately assigned meal duty for the remainder of the isolation period. Lucky for them, cooking easy, immune-boosting, inflammation-busting meals is my self-isolation past-time of choice.
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I hope you too, find an ounce of refuge in this warm, aromatic dish - to help cope with whatever kind of epidemic life is currently tossing your way.
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Health-promoting comfort food, for the win.
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To golden lentils and a silver lining.
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Cheers to surviving your winter.
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Prep time: 10 miN
Bake time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
For the lentils:
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2 Tbsp avocado oil, coconut oil or water
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1 jalapeno pepper (seeds removed & finely chopped)
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2 Tbsp minced fresh ginger (or 2 tsp ground)
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 red onion, finely chopped
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1 jar (4 oz.) Thai red curry paste, like this one
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2 cans unsweetened Thai coconut milk
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1.5 cups water
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2 tsp ground turmeric
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2 tsp curry powder
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a few large pinches sea salt, to taste
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black pepper, to taste
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2 cups dry green lentils, rinsed well
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1 Tbsp soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
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2-3 Tbsp maple syrup
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
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cayenne pepper, as desired (for more heat)
For the roasted vegetables:
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1 large head cauliflower
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1 large bag or two bundles brussel sprouts
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1 Tbsp avocado oil
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1 tsp ground turmeric
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sea salt, to taste
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For serving: Brown rice, fresh cilantro + more lime for squeezing.
Directions:
Begin by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees F on the convection setting and chopping the cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Toss them on a parchement-paper lined baking tray and drizzle with avocado oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, the ground turmeric and set aside.
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Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chopped jalapeno, ginger, garlic and red onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes.
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Add the red curry paste and stir well. Add the coconut milk, water, turmeric, curry powder, salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
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At this time, toss the cauliflower and brussel sprouts into the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
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Once the vegetables are in the oven, add the dry green lentils, soy sauce, maple syrup and lemon juice to the pot. Stir well, and let simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
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Once the lentils are tender, taste the flavor and adjust any seasonings as needed, adding a pinch of cayenne as desired.
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Serve the warm lentils and roasted veggies over brown rice and garnish with cilantro and freshly squeezed lime.
Devour and ENJOY!
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This dish saves beautifully in the fridge for 3-5 days. The texture and flavor actually enhances when left to marinate for a bit, so get ready for some 11/10 lefties this week.
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To healthy meals worth making a habit of. Cheers, friends.
For more disease-fighting & drool-worthy
meal ideas, check out my other plant-powered recipes here: