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 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
