Vegan Crockpot Coconut Lentils (Printer-Friendly Version)
A slow-cooked blend of coconut milk, red lentils, and vegetables simmered with warming spices for a nourishing dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Legumes
01 -
1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed and drained
→ Vegetables
02 -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root, grated
05 -
2 medium carrots, diced
06 -
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
07 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
08 -
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
→ Canned and Packaged Goods
09 -
1 can (13.5 oz) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
10 -
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
11 -
3 cups vegetable broth
12 -
1 tablespoon granulated vegetable bouillon
→ Spices and Seasonings
13 -
2 tablespoons curry powder
14 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
15 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
1.5 teaspoons sea salt
17 -
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Fresh Herbs and Citrus
18 -
1 lime, juiced
19 -
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Dice the carrots and red bell pepper, and peel and cube the sweet potato for uniform cooking.
02 -
Layer red lentils, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, sweet potato, and red bell pepper into the crockpot. Add coconut milk, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with liquid, vegetable broth, and granulated vegetable bouillon.
03 -
Incorporate curry powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
04 -
Set crockpot on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils and vegetables are tender and the consistency is creamy. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
05 -
Stir fresh spinach into the curry during the last 15 minutes of cooking to wilt gently. Just before serving, mix in the fresh lime juice to enhance brightness.
06 -
Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves. Provide additional lime wedges on the side for optional acidity.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger before adding to the crockpot develops a richer flavor. To thicken the curry, cook uncovered during the last 30 minutes or mash some lentils against the side to release starches.
02 -
Dissolve vegetable bouillon in hot broth before combining with other ingredients for uniform seasoning.
03 -
Allow curry to rest in the crockpot off heat for 10 minutes before serving to meld flavors and slightly thicken.