Elevate your meal prep with this flavorful Whole30 Madras Lentils recipe, a wholesome and dairy-free twist on a classic Indian-inspired dish. Packed with tender brown lentils simmered in a creamy coconut milk base and infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, this recipe bursts with vibrant flavors. Fresh onion, garlic, and ginger create a fragrant foundation, while tomato paste adds richness to the sauce. Perfectly suited for a Whole30-approved dining experience, this hearty dish is gluten-free, vegan, and incredibly satisfying. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, and pair it with cauliflower rice for the ultimate guilt-free comfort meal. Ready in just an hour, it's the perfect combination of healthy and delicious!
Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the lentils and 3 cups of water to a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20–25 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and mix well with the onion, garlic, and ginger mixture.
Add coconut milk, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Stir well to coat the lentils with the spice mixture. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve warm, optionally with a side of cauliflower rice for a complete Whole30 meal.
Calories |
718 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.1 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2471 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.1 g | ||
| Protein | 23.4 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1920 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.