Dairy-Free Madras Lentils

Warm, hearty, and packed with bold Indian spices, this Dairy-Free Madras Lentils recipe is a comforting plant-based twist on a classic dish. Featuring tender lentils simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk and tomato-based sauce, it’s infused with layers of flavor from garlic, ginger, and a perfectly balanced blend of spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric. Fresh or frozen spinach is stirred in at the end, adding a nutritious touch to every bite. Perfect as a vegan main course or a side dish, this recipe is both filling and wholesome, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for an irresistible dairy-free meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Keywords: dairy-free madras lentils, vegan lentil curry, plant-based Indian recipe, hearty lentil dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch piece Ginger
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 1 can (14 ounces) Diced Tomatoes
• 1 cup Coconut Milk
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 cups Spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups Water or Vegetable Broth

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

Finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and ginger.

Step 3

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the rinsed lentils and water or vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to incorporate.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded.

Step 9

Stir in the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy your dairy-free madras lentils with rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2103.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	895.6

Total Fat 34.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5973.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 126.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.0g	0%
Total Sugars 46.2g
Protein 36.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 620.4mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 4481.9mg	0%

*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: 32.4%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 52.3%