Spiced Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro
A hearty Indian lentil curry featuring aromatic spices and fresh cilantro, perfect for a comforting meal. This indian-inspired curry (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs red lentils, water, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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
- 1 cup red lentils
- 3 cups water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 large, finely chopped tomato
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear, then combine with 3 cups water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until lentils are soft and beginning to break down.
- Step 2: While lentils cook, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp mustard seeds, sauté for 30 seconds until seeds start to pop and release aroma.
- Step 3: Add 1 finely chopped medium onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and lightly golden. Stir in 1 tbsp ginger paste and 1 tbsp garlic paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Mix in 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp ground coriander, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 5: Add 1 large finely chopped tomato and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the tomato softens and oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Step 6: Pour the cooked lentils along with any remaining cooking liquid into the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro?
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 Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro?
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 Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro 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 Rajpura Lentil Curry with Fresh Cilantro vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
