Wheat Hearty Lentil Curry (Printable Version)

Nutty wheat berries and tender lentils simmered in a richly spiced tomato curry for a warming meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains & Legumes

01 - 1 cup whole wheat berries, rinsed
02 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1-inch piece ginger, grated
06 - 2 medium carrots, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices

10 - 2 tbsp olive oil
11 - 2 tsp ground cumin
12 - 1 tsp ground coriander
13 - 1 tsp turmeric
14 - 1 tsp garam masala
15 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
17 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

18 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
20 - Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, for serving (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced carrots and red bell pepper to the pot; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle in ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes. Stir continuously for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Add rinsed whole wheat berries and lentils to the pot. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry thickens. Stir occasionally and add extra broth or water if necessary.
07 - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice and half of the chopped cilantro.
08 - Ladle the curry into bowls. Garnish with remaining cilantro and a spoonful of Greek or coconut yogurt if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nutty whole wheat berries add heartiness
  • Richly spiced tomato curry flavor
02 -
  • Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version
  • Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra greens
03 -
  • Rinse wheat berries and lentils thoroughly before cooking
  • Toast spices gently to enhance their flavor but avoid burning
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