Madras Lentils (Instant Pot, WFPB, Vegan)

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp grated ginger root

2 cups vegetable broth

1 14-oz can tomato sauce

1 cup lentils, uncooked (brown, black, or green preferably, red for softer result)

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika (regular paprika won't be as good--splurge and buy smoked!)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

optional for more Indian flavor: 1 tsp garam masala

1 can small red beans or kidney beans

1/2 cup coconut milk or plant-based cream (totally optional, for more creaminess)

chopped cilantro for garnish

sliced green onions

optional: rice or naan for serving

Directions

Instant Pot Directions:

Set Instant Pot to Saute setting for 6 minutes. Saute onion, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and spices until onions are fragrant and starting to get soft.

Add tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and lentils. Set Instant Pot to High Pressure for 10 minutes for red lentils, 15 minutes for brown, black, or green lentils. Let it quick release or naturally release, whatever you have time for.

Slow Cooker Directions:

Combine all ingredients in the crock pot EXCEPT TOMATO SAUCE, and let cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, or until lentils are tender. Add tomato sauce after lentils are tender, since lentils don't cook well (without pressure cooking) in an acidic sauce.Stir in can of red beans, coconut milk or cream if desired, and serve with cilantro and rice, green onions, naan, if desired.

Stove top Directions:

Saute onions, bell pepper, and ginger in a splash of water on high for 5-10 minutes, until onions are soft. Add garlic and spices and cook 2 minutes more.

Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT TOMATO SAUCE, and bring to a simmer. Let cook, covered, at a slow simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring and adding more water or vegetable broth, if necessary, to prevent the bottom from burning. Cook until lentils are tender. Add tomato sauce and heat through. Stir in can of red beans, coconut milk or cream if desired, and serve with cilantro and rice. Then enjoy with rice, cilantro, green onions, naan, etc.