Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Coconut Lentils recipe is a cozy and comforting dish perfect for warm, nourishing meals. Featuring red lentils cooked slowly with canned tomatoes, creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and fresh ginger, this stew offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Served over steamed basmati rice or with naan bread, it’s an ideal wholesome meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup Red lentils (Rinse thoroughly before use)
- 1 can Canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can Coconut milk (Use full-fat for creaminess)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth (Adjust for desired consistency)
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 inch Fresh ginger (Grated)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
- 2 cups Steamed basmati rice (Or naan bread for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Finely chop the onion until translucent, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger to build a savory flavor base. This prep should take about 5 minutes total.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the canned diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth over the rinsed red lentils in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper atop the mixture. Stir gently to distribute the spices evenly throughout the stew.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: About 15 minutes before serving, stir the lentils, taste the stew, and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more vegetable broth at this stage if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the lentils over steamed basmati rice or serve them alongside naan bread. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy your cozy and comforting meal!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use full-fat coconut milk as specified.
- Rinsing red lentils before cooking helps remove excess starch and can reduce foaming.
- Adjust the vegetable broth quantity depending on your preferred stew thickness.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger servings but may require longer slow cooking time.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make for great reheated meals.
