Ella Walter
Red lentils are a versatile, affordable, and readily available ingredient that can be used in a slow cooker or crock pot. They are a great source of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and filling option for those who prefer plant-based meals. Red lentils are also mild in flavour and readily absorb spices, making them perfect for curries and soups. They do not need to be pre-soaked, saving time and effort in the cooking process. Simply add your desired ingredients and spices, along with the lentils, to a slow cooker or crock pot, and let it cook for several hours until you have a delicious and creamy dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe Type | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free |
| Ingredients | Red lentils, Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Spices, Tomatoes, Vegetable broth, Coconut milk, Lemon juice, Ground cumin, Dried basil, Dried thyme, Chili powder, Butternut squash, Paneer/Halloumi, Rice, Naan, Cumin seeds, Red chili powder, Cilantro, Lime |
| Preparation | Rinse lentils, blend spices with onions, garlic, and ginger, add all ingredients to crock pot, cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-9 hours, add coconut milk at the end |
| Notes | Red lentils do not need to be pre-soaked, but should be rinsed. Avoid adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or salt too early as this can make lentils hard to cook. |
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Red lentil dahl
To make red lentil dahl in a crock pot, first, heat some oil in a small frying pan and fry off cubes of paneer until crispy all over. Then, turn your crock pot to high and add oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, cumin, salt, and red pepper flakes. Give it a stir and allow it to warm the spices. You can also add other spices like coriander, chilli powder, mustard seeds, or fresh chillies. Next, add the red lentils, tomatoes, chickpeas, and broth to the crock pot. You can also add vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and add more texture and flavour. Stir well, cover, and let the dahl cook for 4-5 hours on high or turn it down to low and cook for 6-8 hours. About half an hour before serving, add some kale and a can of full-fat coconut milk. You can also add mango chutney to the dahl towards the end for some sweetness. Serve the dahl with steamed basmati rice or pilau rice, naan bread, and a creamy chickpea and spinach curry.
You can make the recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. Once the dahl has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Red lentil soup
Ingredients:
- Red lentils
- Vegetable broth/stock
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Ground cumin
- Dried basil
- Dried thyme
- Chili powder
- Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Butternut squash
- Paneer or halloumi cheese
- Sweet potatoes
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Sugar
- Cilantro
- Lime or lemon
- Rice or naan
Instructions:
- Rinse the lentils to remove any dirt. No need to soak them beforehand!
- Put all the ingredients (except the optional ingredients) into your crockpot/slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- If desired, you can add some optional ingredients for extra flavour and creaminess: fry off cubes of paneer or halloumi until crispy and serve on top of the soup, or stir in some coconut milk for extra creaminess.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt, and add a squeeze of lemon or lime to taste.
- Serve with rice or naan on the side, and enjoy!
This soup is a great option for a simple, tasty, and nutritious meal. It can be made in large batches and is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
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Red lentil curry
To make red lentil curry in a crockpot, start by rinsing the lentils and adding them to the slow cooker. You can also add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or butternut squash, along with a liquid such as vegetable broth or coconut milk. Spices like onion, garlic, ginger, cumin, and chili powder are key to developing the flavor of the curry. You can either add these spices directly to the crockpot or create a paste by blending them and then combine them with the lentils.
Cook the lentils on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Once the lentils are tender, you can adjust the seasoning and consistency to your liking. If you prefer a thinner curry, add more broth or water. Finally, serve the curry over rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
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Crockpot settings
Timing
For a standard crockpot, the general rule is to cook red lentils on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. However, some recipes suggest extending the cooking time on low to 7-8 hours or even 8-9 hours. This longer cooking time may be necessary, especially if you want softer lentils or if you're combining the lentils with other ingredients that require more time, such as sweet potatoes.
Temperature
The Crockpot's temperature settings—low and high—play a vital role in cooking red lentils. The low setting is ideal for slow cooking, allowing the lentils to cook gently and absorb flavours gradually. On the other hand, the high setting speeds up the cooking process, making it suitable for when you're in a hurry or want to cook the lentils more quickly while still achieving a satisfactory result.
Adjusting Settings
It's important to note that crockpots can vary in terms of heat distribution and temperature accuracy. Therefore, it's always a good idea to monitor your lentils as they cook. If you find that your lentils are still hard after the suggested cooking time, you may need to continue cooking them for a bit longer, especially if you're using the low setting. Additionally, you can adjust the consistency of your dish by adding more liquid (such as broth or water) if it becomes too thick or dry.
Pre-Soaking and Rinsing
Unlike some other legumes, red lentils do not require pre-soaking. This makes them a convenient choice for crockpot cooking. However, it is recommended to rinse them before adding them to the crockpot to remove any dirt or debris. Rinsing also ensures that any acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes, or salt added at the beginning of cooking do not hinder the softening process.
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Ingredients
Red lentils are a great source of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also gluten-free and affordable.
You can cook red lentils in a crockpot in many ways, including as a soup, curry, or dahl. Here are the ingredients you will need for each of these dishes:
Red Lentil Soup Ingredients:
- Red lentils
- Vegetable broth
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Onion
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Ground cumin
- Dried basil
- Dried thyme
- Chili powder
Red Lentil Curry Ingredients:
- Red lentils
- Sweet potatoes
- Vegetable broth
- Water
- Shallots
- Curry paste
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Sugar
- Ginger
- Salt
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Coconut milk
- Cilantro
- Lemon or lime
Red Lentil Dahl Ingredients:
- Red lentils
- Coconut milk
- Butternut squash
- Vegetable stock
- Paneer or halloumi
- Oil
- Cumin seeds
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red chili powder
- Cilantro
- Lime
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3-4 hours on a high setting or 6-9 hours on a low setting.
Basic ingredients include dry red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and spices. Additional ingredients include butternut squash, paneer or halloumi, onions, garlic, and cumin seeds.
No, it is not necessary to pre-soak the lentils. However, they should be rinsed to remove any dirt or stray bits.
