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A white bowl filled with tikka masala lentil, garnished with cilantro, with a wooden spoon resting inside.
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5 / 5 votes

Tikka Masala Lentils

These tikka masala lentils, which can be made in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop, are healthy, easy to make, and packed with flavor from the combination of fragrant Indian spices, coconut milk, and tomato paste.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 308

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon mild vegetable oil
  • 1/2 medium (about 4 oz) yellow onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup (7 oz) brown lentils
  • 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, shaken or stirred
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat an electric pressure cooker using the SAUTÉ function. If using an Instant Pot, adjust the heat to MORE.
  • When the pressure cooker insert is hot, add the 1 tablespoon mild vegetable oil and 1/2 medium (about 4 oz) yellow onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the 1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and combine.
  • Stir in the 2 cups water, 1 cup (7 oz) brown lentils, 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.

    ☞ TESTER TIP: Premix your spices in a small bowl that can be added all at once to the pressure cooker.

  • Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the vent is in the SEALING or pressure position. Using the display panel, set to cook at low pressure for 15 minutes.
  • When the cooker beeps, let it naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes. Switch the vent valve from the SEALING to the VENTING or pressure release position. Use caution while the steam escapes.
  • Top with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve.

Notes

How To Make These Tikka Masala Lentils On The Stovetop

No pressure cooker? No problem! These lentils can easily be made on the stovetop. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion in oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spices and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in the water, lentils, coconut milk, tomato paste, and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer. Cover, adjusting the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are very tender but not mushy, 25 to 35 minutes. If the lentil mixture becomes too dry, stir in up to 1 cup more water.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 368mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 2g