Smith's Spiced Lentils
A hearty lentil stew with a smoky twist, named after the common U.S. surname 'Smith,' featuring red lentils and a blend of Indian spices. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, large, diced onion, medium, chopped tomato 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 a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 200g, rinsed red lentils
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 medium, chopped tomato
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 600ml water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden.
- Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add tamarind paste, coriander powder, cumin, turmeric, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute.
- Step 4: Add rinsed red lentils and 600ml water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper. Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smith's Spiced Lentils take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Smith's Spiced Lentils?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smith's Spiced Lentils?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Smith's Spiced Lentils for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Smith's Spiced Lentils?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many indian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
