Awesome Red Lentils Recipe
Here’s something just a bit special. It’s my awesome red lentils recipe that is super easy to make, takes about 50 mins all up including prep and cook, and tastes fantastic!
I’ve made this recipe many times as it’s one of my stock standard go to dishes when friends come over. It’s one of those tasty, easy, treat meals that everyone loves.
Plus most of the ingredients are things you have in the pantry anyway, and once you start making it regularly, you’ll always make sure you have everything to hand.
Let’s jump into this awesome red lentil recipe, and if you have any questions or feedback, just post it below.
Ingredients:
- Oil (Rice Bran or Olive both work well)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato
- Tomato Paste
- Spice mix (I like Berbere, see below)
- Red Lentils
- Broth
- Water
Instructions:
- Heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Dice and add the Onions and cook on high for 5 to 6 minutes
- Turn heat to medium
- Add Garlic, Tomatoes, Tomato Paste and 1 tablespoon of Spice Mix to pot
- Mix together and cook for another minute
- Add the red lentils, vegetable broth, 1 quarter cup of water and a pinch of salt
- Bring it to a boil, and once reached reduce to a simmer
- Cook for 35-40 minutes until the lentils are soft and tender
- Remove the lentils from the heat
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, spice mix, and if needed more water
- Taste and add more salt if desired
- Serve with your choice of flatbread for an awesome red lentils meal
I’ve experimented with a range of spice mixes and really enjoyed the different flavors, but my absolutely favorite with this meal is Berbere. I know that may be new to some people so here’s a bit of an overview of Berbere spice mix and also the ingredients that make it, should you want to try it out yourself.
Of course you can just buy it premade, but if you aren’t use to hot food, just use a little less the first time you cook this dish.
Berbere Spice Mix
Ethiopian cooking has developed a unique, spicy, hot taste that you just don’t find many other places. One of the more famous spice mixes is Berbere which is a lovely (but quite hot) blend, that I’ve adjusted to my own tastes. Here’s the ingredients.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pod seeds
- 4 dried red chilies, seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 allspice berries
- 3 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
