This one pot vegetarian main is inspired by the Dhals of India but with the flavours of Thailand. It’s spiced with garlic, ginger, red chilli along with Thai red curry paste and of course coconut milk. Feel free to add a tin of drained chickpeas when adding the coconut milk if you want an even heartier dish. This is a good recipe to keep in mind in these uncertain times as most of the ingredients are store cupboard staples. From the NY Times Cooking website.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 500gm sweet potatoes (2 medium), peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 cm piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 cup red lentil, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 can coconut milk
- 120gm baby spinach
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Lime, coriander, rice or roti for serving
Directions
In a heavy based pot, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over a medium – high heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 -7 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon leaving behind excess oil.
Add the remaining oil to the pot and reduce the heat to medium – low. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until translucent 4 – 6 minutes.
Add the curry paste, garlic, ginger, chilli and turmeric, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the lentils, stock, salt and browned sweet potato to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally until the lentil are just tender, about 20 -25 minutes.
Add the coconut milk and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has reduced and the lentils are creamy and falling apart, 15 – 20 minutes.
Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Turn of the heat, stir in the lime juice and season with salt to taste.
Serve in shallow bowls with your choice of serving suggestions. Rice, roti, lime and coriander.
This is a winning recipe for those people that like lentils but aren’t too keen on the traditional flavours of dhal. Meatless Monday recipe anyone! If you do make this recipe please leave me a comment to let me know how you got on. Enjoy. Sheryl x
