Slow-Cooked Lentil Curry with Spinach and Mustard Seeds

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

A warming Indian-inspired lentil curry slow-cooked with vibrant mustard seeds, aromatic spices, and fresh spinach leaves for a nourishing meal. This Indian-inspired healthy bowl recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs brown lentils, water, mustard seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, grated ginger
• 3 cups, packed fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water until clear and drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1 tsp cumin seeds, cooking for 30 seconds until they start to pop and become fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp red chili powder, cooking for 15 seconds to release their aromas.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed lentils, 3 cups water, 1 cup tomato puree, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Step 6: Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach leaves and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until spinach is wilted and curry thickens slightly.
7. Step 7: Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed before serving.