Wheat Hearty Lentil Curry (Print version)

Nutty wheat berries and lentils simmered with spices and vegetables in a hearty, warming dish.

# 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)

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced carrots and red bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and 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 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 gently for 45 to 50 minutes, until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry thickens. Stir occasionally and add additional broth or water if necessary.
07 - Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice and half of the chopped cilantro.
08 - Ladle into bowls, garnish with remaining cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Wholesome one-pot meal
  • Richly spiced with Indian-inspired flavors
02 -
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute wheat berries with brown rice or quinoa
  • Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra greens
03 -
  • Use rinsed lentils to reduce cooking time and avoid foam
  • Toast the spices briefly to release their full aroma and flavor
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