Best Spicy Lentils Recipes

SPICY SALMON & LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat a large, lidded shallow pan over a medium heat. Tip in the curry paste and fry briefly, stirring constantly, until sizzling and aromatic. Add the lentils with about quarter of a can of water and season. Heat until simmering then lay salmon on top, skin side up.Cover and leave salmon to cook for 6-8 minutes until it feels firm when prodded.
• While salmon is cooking, make the dressing. Mix together the olive oil and lemon juice and season well. When salmon is cooked lift it out of the pan with a fish slice and set aside. Turn the heat up, stir in the spinach and a third of the dressing and cook until the spinach has just wilted. Spoon the lentils and spinach onto two plates then sit the salmon on top. Drizzle over the remaining dressing and serve.

SPICY CURRIED LENTILS AND RICE

Steps:

• Pour the oil into a medium or large saucepan with a lid over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Cook until onion begins to slightly soften, about 5 minutes.
• Add lentils, rice, curry powder, and water. Stir well.
• Cover the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35 minutes.
• Remove from heat, add peas to pot, replace cover and let sit undisturbed for 5 more minutes.
• Add tomatoes and salt and fluff with a fork. Transfer to a serving plate. Top with cilantro. Serve immediately.

SPICY LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium heat and add onions, ginger, and a dash of salt& pepper.
• Cover and cook for 10 mins until soft.
• Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, coriander and cook for 1 minute.
• Add water, broth, lentils and bay leaves and bring to the boil.
• Cover and reduce heat, simmer for 2 hrs until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Remove bay leaves, add the yogurt and tomato puree and simmer 5 minutes until heated through.

SPICY LAMB AND LENTILS

Steps:

• Combine first 10 ingredients in large bowl and let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Bring lentils and broth to boil in heavy medium saucepan over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until lentils are just tender, about 30 minutes.
• Add lamb and marinade to lentils and blend well. Bring to simmer. Cover and bake until lamb is tender, about 50 minutes. Spoon off any fat from surface. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with chutney.

SPICY LAMB AND LENTILS WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Season lamb with salt and pepper and arrange in pan in an even patty about 1/4" thick. Cook, pressing occasionally to help meat make contact with pan, until underside is browned and very crisp, about 5 minutes. Carefully turn, pouring off excess fat (reserve), and cook until other side is crisp, about 5 minutes.
• Break up lamb into small pieces. Mix in garlic, red pepper flakes, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spices are fragrant and lamb is cooked through but still juicy, about 2 minutes. Transfer lamb mixture to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Place lentils and 2 tablespoons of reserved fat in same skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, tossing occasionally, until lentils start to brown and crisp, 5-8 minutes. Return lamb to skillet and toss to combine and warm through. Remove from heat and stir in cucumber, cilantro, and parsley.
• Spoon yogurt onto plates and top with lamb mixture, then some more cilantro and parsley. Serve with flatbread and lemon wedges.

SPICY LAMB MEATBALLS AND LENTILS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine lamb, bacon, water, garlic, mint, parsley, spices and seasoning.
• Mix well.
• (This can also be done in a food processor but do not process the mixture to a puree, just process in short bursts to combine).
• Divide the mixture into about 25-30 small meatballs- flatten a little to a disc shape.
• Place on tray and refrigerate until ready to use.
• To prepare the lentils, heat the olive oil in pan and add the onion, carrot and cloves of garlic and saute for 5 minutes until the onions have become transparent.
• Add the lentils and stir to coat with the oil, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add 1 cup tomatoes, chicken stock, seasoning and bouquet garni.
• Bring to the boil and turn down to a simmer.
• Cover and cook until the lentils are tender.
• Discard the bouquet garni.
• Heat extra olive oil in a pan and saute the meatballs in batches in a single layer.
• Remove and add to the lentils.
• Continue to simmer the meatballs and lentils for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
• Add the remaining cup of tomatoes and cook a further 10 minutes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Serve in large soup plates and garnish with the mint.

ONE-PAN SPICY MEATBALLS WITH LENTILS AND FENNEL

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees. In a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or baking dish, gently toss the fennel wedges with the olive oil to coat and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown underneath, about 10 minutes. (Fennel will not be tender at this point.)
• Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, use your hands or a spoon to mix the sausage with the egg until combined. Roll the mixture into 12 (1 1/2-inch) meatballs.
• Add the chicken stock, lentils, garlic and rosemary to the roasted fennel. Stir to combine, then season with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Place the meatballs in the lentil mixture, drizzle the meatballs with olive oil, then roast until the meatballs are browned on top and lentils are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Discard the rosemary sprig, then stir in the vinegar, parsley leaves and fennel fronds (reserve a few fronds for garnishing, if desired). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the lentils and any braising liquid onto shallow bowls and top with the meatballs. Garnish with additional parsley leaves and fennel fronds, if desired.

DAL MAKHANI (SPICY BLACK LENTILS)

Steps:

• Clean, wash and soak the whole black lentils and kidney beans overnight. Drain and keep aside.
• Combine the lentils and beans with salt and 2 cups of water and cook till the dals are overcooked. Whisk well till the mixture is almost mashed.
• Heat the butter in a pan and add the cumin seeds.
• When the cumin seeds crackle, add the green chillies, cinnamon, cloves, green cardamom, onions, ginger-garlic paste and sauté till the onions turn golden brown in color.
• Add the chilli powder, turmeric powder and tomato puree and cook over a medium flame till the oil separates from the tomato gravy.
• Add the dal mixture, water and salt if required and simmer for 10 t 15 minutes.
• Add the cream and mix well.
• Garnish with the cilantro and serve hot.

SPICY ROAST VEG & LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Using a sharp knife, peel the butternut squash. Cut it in half lengthways, scoop out the seeds, then cut into 1cm-thick slices widthways across the squash.
• Put the squash slices in a large roasting tin with the onion, peppers and garlic. Mix the oil with the curry paste and drizzle over the vegetables. Toss well to coat in the curry mix and season.
• Roast for 30 mins until the vegetables are beginning to soften. Add the lentils and stock to the roasting tin and mix. Return to the oven for a further 5-10 mins until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the coriander and serve straight away.

SPICY RED LENTILS WITH CAPERS AND CURRANTS

Steps:

• Place large saucepan of water on to boil for the lentils.
• Check lentils for any stones etc. Place lentils in a fine sieve and run under lots of running water, when water runs clear, give them a good tap on the side of the bench to get rid of excess water.
• Tip lentils into saucepan of boiling water, stir them well and cook them for only a couple of minutes, until they are just tender with a hint of firmness (watch them very carefully as they can turn into mush in the space of 30 seconds or so, testing them as you go).
• As soon as they are ready pour them into a sieve to drain, shaking them well to get rid of any excess water.
• Tip the cooked lentils into the dressing and mix well. Add the currants and the capers, and leave the salad to cool to room temperature, stirring it regularly.
• When you are ready to serve, pile it onto a plate/bowl and sprinle some onion slithers and parsley leaves over the top.

MISIR WOT (ETHIOPIAN SPICY LENTILS)

Steps:

• For Misir Wot, cook 1 1/2 cups red lentils in 2 cups water for about a 1/2 hour. Then, saute a large finely chopped onion in a couple tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet until clear. Add a couple minced cloves of garlic, saute a little more, then put in 2 tbsp. berbere mix (see recipe for "Berbere") and a little water to keep it from sticking. Add the cooked lentils, and cook everything on low until the lentils completely disintigrate - about 1/2 hour again. If you prefer the dish to look red rather than yellowish, sprinkle in some sweet paprika at the end.

SPICY CHORIZO WITH LENTILS & BEETROOT

Steps:

• Heat a large pan, add a drop of the olive oil, and cook the onion and chorizo for a few mins until starting to colour.
• Tip in the lentils with the beetroot wedges, vinegar, remaining oil, some seasoning and 1 tbsp water. Cover the pan and heat for 1 min to warm through. Pile into a bowl, toss through the rocket and serve.

SPICY HARISSA CHICKEN WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Fry the onion on a low heat for 5-6 mins until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min more.
• Stir in the harissa, add the chicken and cook until well browned all over. Stir in the carrot, lentils and tomatoes, then add the stock so the chicken is fully immersed.
• Reduce the heat and cook, uncovered, for 30-35 mins until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the lentils are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Season well, scatter with parsley (if using) and serve.

SPICY LENTILS (SOUTH AFRICA)

Steps:

• Dissolve salt in enough boiling water to cover lentils. Add lentils.
• and cook until tender about 20 minutes. Drain and mash with potato masher.
• Heat oil in a pan and fry onions and garlic until onions are golden.
• Add remaining ingredients and simmer for a few minutes. Stir in lentils and heat until thick. Serve hot.

SPICY LENTILS WITH CHORIZO

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot over low heat.
• Add in onion and the next 4 ingredients; cook for 10 minutes or until tender, stirring often.
• Add broth and the next 5 ingredients; bring to a boil.
• Lower heat and simmer 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
• Stir in salt.
• Ladle into individual bowls and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

POACHED EGGS WITH SLOW COOKED SPICY LENTILS

Steps:

• In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add onions, and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, and black pepper.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for one more minute.
• Add lentils, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to boil. Transfer to slow cooker.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
• Stir in coconut milk, salt, and chili flakes.
• Cover and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
• Ladle into soup bowls and top with a poached egg.
• In order to make in advance:.
• Complete steps until mixture is placed into slowcooker.
• Refrigerate overnight and then transfer to slowcooker.

SPICY LENTILS WITH CORNBREAD

Steps:

• 1. In a large pot warm the oil under medium heat, then add the sliced carrot and minced garlic, fry for about 5 minutes just until the garlic has cooked. Then add the bay leaf , peppercorns, whole cloves and chilies ( leave out for a non spicy version), you'll fry these for about 2 minutes, this brings out or release the flavors and scents of the spices. You'll smell the spiciness from the chili and peppercorns, and the intense scent of the cloves.
• 2. Have your water ready, next add the paprika, salt, bouillon and lentils. Stir to distribute all the spices and lentils. Now you can add your water to the pot, ( note for every cup of lentils you add one and half cups of water.).
• 3. Bring the lentils to boil over medium heat, then lower the heat and continue cooking until the lentils are soft. It depends on your taste if you want the lentils to have more of a soupy texture than you'll need to add more water. Check on them often to make sure they don't get to dry.
• This recipe makes a hearty meal by serving the lentils with some smoked meat, smoked ham is what you see here, and corn bread. Or vegetarians can skip the meat and just enjoy.

ROASTED SALMON ON SPICY LENTILS

Steps:

• Lentils--heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, and coriander, and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the lentils, then the stock.
• Bring to a boil; decrease the heat to med-low and cover.
• Simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.
• During the last 5 minutes, stir in the salt.
• Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°.
• Lightly oil a large rimmed baking sheet.
• Lightly oil the salmon flesh and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the salmon on the baking sheet, skin side down.
• Cut the salmon vertically into 4 serving portions, but do not separate the pieces.
• Roast until the salmon shows the barest sign of pink when pierced in the thickest part with the tip of a knife, about 10 minutes.
• Divide the lentils evenly among 4 soup bowls.
• Top each with a portion of the salmon, and serve hot.

SPICY LENTILS WITH MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Gently fry onion, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, garlic, & mushrooms in oil.
• Add remaining ingredients, except for salt and fresh coriander.
• Simmer for about an hour.
• Add salt and pepper.
• Remove cinnamon stick.
• Garnish with fresh coriander.

LENTILS AND SPICY SAUSAGES

Steps:

• Heat the oil over medium heat in a large heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven. When hot, add the onion, carrot and celery. Saute for five minutes, stirring frequently, then add the garlic and continue sauteing for another two minutes.
• Add the fresh rosemary, dried thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and lentils. Mix well then pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until lentils have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in the Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar and continue simmering until all the liquid has been absorbed. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place sausages on a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly mist with cooking spray. If you don't have cooking spray, brush lightly with olive oil. Place in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping midway through. The sausages should appear to be crispy and golden.
• When the sausages are finished roasting, place in the pot with the lentils and serve together.