Vegan Crockpot Coconut Lentils (Printer-Friendly)
Slow-cooked vegan lentils with coconut milk and spices for a rich, hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Legumes
01 -
1½ 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
09 -
Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (amount to garnish)
→ Canned and Packaged Goods
10 -
1 can (13.5 oz) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
11 -
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
12 -
3 cups vegetable broth
13 -
1 tablespoon granulated vegetable bouillon
→ Spices and Seasonings
14 -
2 tablespoons curry powder
15 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
16 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
17 -
1½ teaspoons sea salt
18 -
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Citrus
19 -
1 lime, juiced
# Preparation Steps:
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.
02 -
Layer red lentils, prepared onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, sweet potato, and red bell pepper into the crockpot. Pour in coconut milk, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with liquid, vegetable broth, and sprinkle vegetable bouillon over the mixture.
03 -
Add curry powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
04 -
Set the crockpot to low and cook 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 to promote even cooking.
05 -
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped spinach to allow it to wilt gently. Just prior to serving, add fresh lime juice to enhance brightness.
06 -
Ladle curry into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Offer additional lime wedges for optional tang.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
For richer flavor, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger before adding. To thicken, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some lentils. Dissolve bouillon in hot broth beforehand to improve flavor distribution. Allow curry to rest 10 minutes after cooking to meld flavors.