Spicy Lentils

Name: Spicy Lentils
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian, Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil; 1 cup finely chopped white onion; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger; 4 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and picked over; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 step

Prep:10minCook:35min

Enjoy this flavorful Spicy Lentils recipe made with red lentils, aromatic spices, and a hint of cayenne pepper. It's perfect for a warm, comforting meal.

Updated at: Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:26:58 GMT

Nutrition balance score

Great

Glycemic Index

Low

Glycemic Load

Moderate

Nutrition per serving

Calories228 kcal (11%)

Total Fat4.2 g (6%)

Carbs36.7 g (14%)

Sugars4.1 g (5%)

Protein12.8 g (26%)

Sodium591.5 mg (30%)

Fiber6.4 g (23%)

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients

4 servings

1 tablespoonsesame oil

1 tablespoonfresh ginger

finely chopped

4 cupswater

or vegetable broth

1 cupdried red lentils

rinsed and picked over

1 teaspooncumin

1 teaspooncoriander

1 teaspoonturmeric

½ teaspooncardamom

½ teaspooncinnamon

¼ teaspooncayenne pepper

1 teaspoonsalt

or to taste

2 tablespoonstomato paste

Instructions

Step 1

In a three quart stockpot or other medium sized pot heat oil. Once the oil is hot add the onions and garlic, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent. Add spices and cook while stirring for a few minutes. While stirring add the lentils and water or stock. Add salt to taste. Bring to a simmer or low boil and cover pot. turn heat to low. Cook about 20 minutes or til lentils are tender. To serve as a side dish or over rice, use less liquid.