Delicious Tempered Lentils is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the natural goodness of yellow split lentils. Slow-cooked to perfection and tempered with a fragrant blend of spices, this dish is both satisfying and packed with protein. The combination of lentils, spices, and fresh cilantro creates a delightful balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Yellow split lentils are a nutritious legume that is rich in protein and fiber. They cook down to a creamy consistency, making them an ideal base for this dish. The lentils are infused with turmeric, garlic, tomatoes, onion, and salt in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a delicious blend.
The tempering process adds another layer of flavor to the lentils. In a separate pan, the tempering spices such as cumin seeds, garlic, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder are sautéed in vegetable oil. This step enhances the aroma and brings out the full flavor of the spices. The prepared tempering is then stirred into the hot lentils, allowing the flavors to infuse.
To finish off the dish, fresh cilantro is added for a burst of freshness and color. The lentils are cooked for an additional hour to ensure that all the flavors blend together beautifully.
Serving this Delicious Tempered Lentils with rice is a classic and satisfying way to enjoy this dish. The lentils pair well with the fluffy rice, creating a complete and balanced meal.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups yellow split lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
For tempering:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp whole cumin seeds
PREPARATION:
- In the slow cooker, add the yellow split lentils and 4 cups of water.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, and salt.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours, allowing the lentils to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
For tempering:
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, turn off the heat and add the cumin seeds, minced garlic, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Mix well to create the tempering.
- Stir the prepared tempering into the hot lentils in the slow cooker, ensuring it is well incorporated.
- Add the fresh cilantro and stir well to combine.
- Cook the lentils for an additional 1 hour to allow all the flavors to blend together.
YIELD: Serves 6
TOTAL TIME: It takes 6 hours 20 minutes to cook
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder according to your taste preferences.
- Customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro before serving for added freshness.
TIPS:
Serve the Delicious Tempered Lentils hot with rice and savor the aromatic flavors and creamy texture.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- Calories: 208
- Fat: 5.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Protein: 12.7 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
