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One of the most popular recipes (and one of my personal favorite recipes) from my blog is this Crockpot/Instantpot Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s a Whole30 rendition on the Classic Indian dish and is actually one of my kids’ favorite dishes, too! They request it often and my entire family devours it. Because it is so popular, I created a meatless version with these Tikka Masala Lentils!
Here is a vegetarian-friendly rendition of my Tikka Masala using lentils instead of meat. The flavors are all still there in this meat-free dish, and it’s still just as satisfying! It’s not whole30 (since Lentils are in the legume family) but it is made using only clean, wholesome ingredients and it is also dairy-free. And if you are looking for another delicious lentil recipe, try my Curried Lentil Soup!
You can serve it alone or alongside some steamed rice or any steamed veggie goes great alongside it as well!
SHOP THE POST.
Tikka Masala Lentils
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups yellow onion, diced fine (1 yellow onion)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 inch knob of ginger, peeled and finely grated or 1/2 tsp powdered ginger
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
- 2 cups brown lentils (dry)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (13 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk I use Thai Kitchen's Brand
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- In a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the yellow onion, salt, pepper, garlic and ginger. Saute, stirring, until the onions are tender, about 4 minutes.
- Add the paprika, curry powder, cayenne, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric and tomato paste. Toast spices, stirring, until very fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Add the lentils and stir to incorporate. Once incorporated, add the broth and bay leaf and stir to combine.
- Bring lentils to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until lentils are almost tender, about 20 minutes. They should still have a little bit of a bite to them at this time.
- Add the coconut milk and stir to combine. Cook, uncovered and stirring often, until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, 5 to 10 more minutes. Once the lentils are tender, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste, and add salt to taste.
- Top with fresh cilantro. Serve however you please and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So good! Perfect spice level it was not super spicy at all. Paired with white rice, maple glazed carrots, and roasted cauliflower. Truly will make many more times! I used red lentils because that’s all I had and only cooked them about 8min since they cook a bit faster.
So yummy! Definitely getting added to the rotation!
Picky 7 year old approved! I left out the cayenne though. Delicious with a side of naan. Made mine in the IP too 😃
What is the amount for the cumin? It doesn’t say.
I am so excited to make this! What do you think about freezing the lentils and sauce for an easier meal next time?
I think it would freeze very well!
Could I use green lentils? Thanks!
yes!
How much longer should the cooking time be if using green lentils? Thanks !!
It should be close to the same!
Made this tonight and its Really good! It was also spicy for me so I would cut the cayenne in half if you don’t like a ton of heat!
Super delicious! The lemon makes the flavors really pop. Definitely a great option when you need a fairly easy meal and a break from meat. I soaked the lentils for a few hours before hand (easier for my digestion) and it still turned out great
Fantastic!! thank you, Kristin!
Hello, is there any substitute for tomato paste? I try to stay away from canned goods.
Hi! Have you tried this in the instant pot? Thank you!
I haven’t tried this specific recipe in the IP, but i have cooked lentils in the IP before! they only take about 10 minutes on manual high pressure! just be sure to wait and add the coconut milk + lemon after the cook time for best results.
Delicious! It was a little spicy for me, so I will scale back on the cayenne next time. I also did 1/2 the amount of tomato paste recommended.