Delicious Indian Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Main Course

Lentils — a indian recipe (main course) with 9 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

40

Total Time (min)

4

servings

285

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Indian Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Main Course

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup lentils (red or green, rinsed)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 inch ginger (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute, then add onions, garlic, and ginger.

    Cook until onions are translucent.
  2. Add Spices

    Stir in turmeric and coriander powder; cook for another minute to release the flavors.

    Make sure the spices do not burn.
  3. Incorporate Lentils

    Add rinsed lentils to the pot, stirring well to coat them with spices.

    This helps the lentils absorb the flavors.
  4. Add Water

    Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover the pot.

    Simmer for 20-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  5. Final Adjustments

    Check for seasoning and adjust salt to taste. Serve hot with rice or bread.

    Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free. Diet: High-Fiber, Low-Fat

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your indian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Naan bread or basmati rice
🍽️Raita
🍽️Mango chutney

About This Dish

Delicious Indian Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Main Course is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 40 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Indian cuisine reflects the country's incredible diversity, with flavors and techniques varying dramatically from north to south, east to west. The masterful use of spices is the hallmark of Indian cooking.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 10-15 minutes.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories200kcal
Total Fat5gg
Sodium300mgmg
Total Carbohydrates30gg
Dietary Fiber10gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein12gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineIndian