Spiced Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin

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

A hearty and aromatic Indian-inspired lentil stew featuring Kadwa spices, turmeric, and cumin that delivers warmth and depth in every spoonful. This Indian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs red lentils, water, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. In a large pot, combine rinsed lentils with 4 cups water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
  2. Step 2: While lentils simmer, heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until spices are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour the spiced onion mixture into the pot with the simmering lentils. Stir well, add salt to taste, and simmer for another 10 minutes until stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot with steamed rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Spiced Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin?

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 red lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin?

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 Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin 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 Kadwa Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Cumin 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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