This is my favorite dish. It's so warming and cozy, it just hits all the right comfort food notes.
It's also INCREDIBLY easy and fast to make, requires almost no chopping, creates minimal dishes, and is vegan, gluten-free, and packed with plant-based protein and fiber.
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They can also be paired with a variety of salads, grains, fermented vegetables, or breads for a super healthy, very easy, infinitely versatile dish. It's the busy person's best friend. Our favorite way to eat this is usually with this super easy red cabbage slaw. The whole thing comes together in a few minutes and is super good for you.
For the best possible flavor, you can use fresh ginger, grind whole cardamom pods (you can do it with a blender or a morter and pestle), and/or garnish the lentils with roughly chopped, fresh coriander or cilantro leaves. The extra effort required for this is relatively minimal and really takes this dish to the next level. For the best possible flavor, you can use fresh ginger, grind whole cardamom pods (you can do it with a blender or a morter and pestle), and/or garnish the lentils with roughly chopped, fresh coriander or cilantro leaves. The extra effort required for this is relatively minimal and really takes this dish to the next level.
That being said, I make this ALL THE TIME, and I don't always want to take the extra time. So if you're in a rush, use pre-ground spices and skip the extras. It will still be delicious.
Weigh out the lentils in the pot and add the water and the vegetable bullion or salt. Place the lentils on medium-high heat until the water reaches a rapid boil. Then reduce the heat to medium/low and bring the water to a simmer. The lentils will be frothing, but don't worry about scooping it off. The lentils will froth as they release their pectin and natural starches--making the end product creamy without any extra work from us!
Add the spices and stir.
Continue cooking 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the pot, until most of the water has been absorbed and the lentils are thick and creamy. Click here to activate a timer for 20 Minutes.
Optional Step: If serving with rice, begin cooking it according to package instructions while the lentils are on the stove. If serving with cabbage slaw or a salad (which I highly recommend), prepare that now.
Once the lentils have broken down to a very creamy consistency, add your milk of choice, stirring as you go, until your preferred consistency has been reached.
Adjust spices to taste. For more "smokiness" and heat, add smoked paprika or cracked pepper. For a little extra sweetness, add just a touch more dried coriander or cinnamon.
Servings 0
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.