Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting stew combining earthy lentils with warm spices and creamy coconut milk, finished with a subtle indigo hue from natural ingredients. This indian-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, coconut milk, medium, finely chopped yellow onion 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup brewed and cooled blue pea flower tea to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cover.
  4. Step 4: Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until stew thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk?

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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk?

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 Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk 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.

Is Spiced Indigo Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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