• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Simply So Good

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / Entrรฉes / 30 Minute Coconut Lentils

30 Minute Coconut Lentils

February 4, 2021 2 Comments

82 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Bowl filled with coconut lentils topped with cilantro, chilis, pomegranate and paratha

A cozy, and super warming meal.  This 30-Minute Coconut Lentil dish is simmered with turmeric and coconut milk spice up with chilis, garlic, and tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.

Why I love Coconut Lentils

  • Quick and easy meal – This lentil dish is ready to serve in just 30 minutes and is loaded with flavor.
  • Advance Prep – Lentils can be made in advance and refrigerated for 3-4 days.  It’s even better the next day.  Simply reheat.  
  • Side dish or Main Course – Serve as a main course by adding roasted cauliflower and broccoli, chopped Kale, top with grilled chicken

How to cook 30-minute Coconut Lentils

wooden board with dry red lentils, turmeric, bowl of coconut milk, and water1
33
Large pot with red lentils, coconut milk, water, and turmeric2
  1. Wash and drain the lentils until the water runs clear.  Drain.
  2. Add washed lentils to a medium-size pot.  Stir in coconut milk and water or vegetable stock.  Add salt and turmeric.  Simmer over medium/low heat.  Gently stir every now and then.  While the lentils are simmering, prepare the tempering oil.
  3. Cook until lentils are tender but not mushy.  The longer the lentils are cooked the thicker they become.  If lentils appear too thick for your liking, just add more liquid or coconut milk.

Tempering Oil = Flavor Bomb!

Right now you may be thinking that these lentils look pretty bland and you would be right.  Let me introduce this sauteed flavor bomb that really packs a powerful punch.  First, you will need to “pop” the black mustard seeds in hot oil.  Once the mustard seeds are added to the hot oil they will begin to sizzle and pop!  Sometimes they will pop right out of the pan.  Giving the mustard seeds a hot sizzle will help them not be so bitter.  If by chance they do NOT pop, then discard them and start over because no one wants bitter lentils!

What is Asafoetida?  It’s a spice that makes Indian food taste, well, Indian.  A pinch makes every other spice really come through.  If you don’t have Asafoetida on hand try subbing with a small pinch of garlic and onion powder.

Making the Flavor Bomb

Tempering oil ingredients in separate bowls, chopped tomatoes, onions, chilis, garlic1
chilies, tomatoes, onions, garlic in sautee pan3
Sautee pan with garlic and mustard seeds2
Sauteed tempering oil in skillet4
Sauteed onions, tomatoes, garlic added to lentils5
Cooked lentils in pot with wood spoon stirring6
  1. Gather and chop all of the ingredients for the tempering oil.
  2. In a small skillet, heat oil. Once the oil is hot add mustard seeds. Cook until they pop. If they don’t pop at all, then dump them out and start over. If they don’t pop, they will be bitter so it’s best to start over. Once they pop add the Asafoetida.
  3. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, and green chili. Cook until tender.
  4. Stir in the cilantro, lime zest, and the Garam masala. Stir to combine.
  5. Gently stir in the tempering oil mixture into the cooked lentils. 
  6. Add the tempering oil mixture into the cooked lentils. Add the juice of 1/2 a lime. Stir gently to combine. Serve hot with your favorite topping, if desired.

How to serve Coconut Lentils 

  • Serve with additional chopped chilies and cilantro.
  • If you have some pomegranate arils, PLEASE toss a few on top.
  • Give it a drizzle with coconut milk.
  • Add chopped kale. YUM!
  • If you want additional protein, add slices of grilled chicken.
  • Absolutely serve with Paratha or Naan!  Paratha is my absolute favorite dipped into these lentils.  Homemade is amazing, but you can buy frozen (Trader Joes).  Make sure you brush it with plenty of Ghee and heat on a griddle until buttery and crisp.  A M A Z I N G!!
Bowl filled with coconut lentils topped with cilantro, chilis, pomegranate and paratha
4.67 from 3 votes
Print

30 Minute Coconut Lentils

A cozy, and super warming meal.  This 30-Minute Coconut Lentil dish is simmered with turmeric and coconut milk spice up with chile, garlic, and tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime.

Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Indian
Keyword 30 minute coconut, coconut daal, Coconut lentils, red lentils
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Calories 218 kcal
Author Janet Barton

Ingredients

Lentils

  • 1 1/2 cups split red lentils rinse and drain
  • 1 14 oz Coconut milk canned
  • 2-3 cups water or Vegetable stock
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Tempering Oil

  • 2 tbsp oil I used Avocado
  • pinch Asafoetida
  • 1 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2-3 green chilis serrano, jalapeno, Thai all work
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • zest from one lime
  • 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp turmeric

Instructions

Lentils

  1. Wash and drain the lentils until the water runs clear. Drain and add to a medium-size pot. Add coconut milk and water or vegetable stock. Add salt and turmeric. Cook on medium/low heat stirring occasionally until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Add water or stock if the lentils look too thick. Meanwhile, make tempering oil

Tempering Oil

  1. In a small skillet, heat oil. Once the oil is hot add mustard seeds. Cook until they pop. If they don't pop at all, then dump them out and start over. If they don't pop, they will be bitter so it's best to start over. Once they pop add the Asafoetida.

  2. Add the onion, tomato, garlic, and green chili. Cook until tender. Stir in the cilantro, lime zest, and the Garam masala. Stir to combine.

  3. Add the tempering oil mixture into the cooked lentils. Add the juice of 1/2 a lime. Stir gently to combine. Serve hot with your favorite topping, if desired.

Recipe Notes

Serving suggestions:

  • Serve topped with additional chopped cilantro, sliced chili peppers, a drizzle of coconut milk, and hot paratha or naan.

 

Nutrition Facts
30 Minute Coconut Lentils
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 218 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 1g
Sodium 59mg2%
Potassium 510mg15%
Carbohydrates 31g10%
Fiber 15g60%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 235IU5%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 36mg4%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Warm Your Soul With These Favorites

Soup in bowl with chopped kale
Overhead shot of chicken broth soup with herbs, vegetables and farina dumplings
Bowl of minestrone soup
Roasted Beets with Mint Yogurt

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook

Related

Filed Under: Entrรฉes, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Previous Post: « No-Knead Dakota Bread
Next Post: Paratha Flatbread »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Branka Klinec says

    February 5, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    thank you so. much for such a wonderful and healthy recipe. i never tire of lentils. well now you know which recipe you are going to have to give us next Right?!! the flatbread you served it with.

    Reply
    • Janet Barton says

      February 5, 2021 at 11:29 pm

      Thank you so much. You’re right about the flatbread. It’s Indian paratha. I would love to post it but I need to perfect it a bit. It’s flakey and delicious. I’ll work on it! It’s just a little time consuming but so worth it!

      Reply
4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Janet Barton

Hi I'm Janet and this is where I share my delicious made-from-scratch seasonal recipes that I make at home for my family every day.

I believe cooking from scratch, using unprocessed and whole foods is an important part of healthy eating. My goal is to help you create amazing recipes by providing easy step-by-step photos and instructions.

Read More ยป

Trending Recipes

  • No-knead Crusty Bread in a Dutch oven No-knead Crusty Bread

  • Several chocolate drop cookies on white background Chocolate Drop Cookies

  • Wooden board with chocolate cookies with half chocolate icing and half vanilla icing Chocolate Half Moon Cookies

  • fried ice cream with spoonful taken out with honey and berries Fried Ice Cream

  • Glass of almond milk with 2 gray striped straws on wood board with container of almond milk in background Quick Homemade Almond Milk

  • pink iced heart sugar cookies Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Lemonade and raspberry lemonade in tall glasses Old Fashioned Lemonade

  • pan of frozen lemon curd ice cream with ice cream scoop No-Churn Lemon Curd Ice Cream

  • Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb tarts

  • Slices of No-knead Partially sliced Green Chile Cheddar Bread No-Knead Green Chile Cheddar Bread

Latest on Instagram

simplysogood

๐Ÿ‹ I teach you how to cook from scratch
๐Ÿ’ Follow simple step-by-step recipes
๐Ÿซ A lover of fresh, seasonal, & local ingredients

Fresh Herb Crockpot Turkey Breast with Brown Butte Fresh Herb Crockpot Turkey Breast with Brown Butter Pears is perfect for a smaller but still impressive Thanksgiving dinner. This easy recipe features a boneless turkey breast coated in homemade herb butter and "roasted" in a slow cooker, then served with a creamy cider herb gravy and sautรฉed browned butter pears....

https://www.simplysogood.com/fresh-herb-crockpot-turkey-breast-with-brown-butter-pears/
These strawberry rhubarb crumble bars will take yo These strawberry rhubarb crumble bars will take you straight to dessert paradise! ๐Ÿฅฐโ ๐Ÿ“
.โ 
Sweet-tart love in every bite, theyโ€™re the perfect treat for sunny days and cozy nights. Grab a bar and letโ€™s indulge in this fruity delight!โ 
.โ 
Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio, where I post step-by-step photo instructions!
โ 
#rhubarbseason #homemadewithlove #dessertclub #strawberryrhubarb #strawberryrhubarbpie #strawberrycrumble #strawberryrhubarbcrumble
Baking up some homemade magic with my no-knead Lem Baking up some homemade magic with my no-knead Lemon Rosemary Gruyere bread!
โ€ข
This recipe is as easy as pie (or should I say bread?), bringing the flavors of tangy lemon, fragrant rosemary, and oh-so-melty Gruyere to life. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿž๐ŸŒฑ
โ€ข
Click the link in my bio to read through these helpful tips that will make your homemade bread a melt-in-your-mouth success!

#homemadebread #nokneadbread #gruyerebread #lemoncheesebread #cheesebread #homemadecheesebread
Starting the day off right with these indulgent no Starting the day off right with these indulgent no-knead brioche morning buns! ๐ŸคŽ Thereโ€™s just something about the buttery, flaky brioche and the sweet cinnamon swirl that makes mornings extra special.
โ€ข
The base dough recipe for no-knead brioche morning buns is a buttery no-knead dough that is refrigerated overnight. The chilled dough is very easy to roll, fill, slice, and bake.
โ€ข
So go ahead, treat yourself to something delicious and let these buns brighten up your day! 

The recipe link is in my Instagram bio!

#MorningTreats #BriocheLove #SweetIndulgence #cinnamonsugar #cinnamonandsugar #morningbuns
No fancy Ice Cream Maker โ€” no problem! ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿจ No fancy Ice Cream Maker โ€” no problem! ๐Ÿฆ๐Ÿจ This no churn Strawberry Raspberry Ice Cream recipe is quick and easy to make without an ice cream maker in only 10 minutes.
โ€ข
Simply blend together a mix of frozen strawberries and raspberries with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sherbet for a rich, fruity, and creamy dessert that tastes homemade! ๐Ÿ“
โ€ข
Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio, where I post step-by-step photo instructions!

#nochurnicecream #homemadeicecream #strawberryicecream #raspberryicecream #kidfriendlyrecipes #simplerecipes
These chewy peanut butter bars have been a family These chewy peanut butter bars have been a family favorite for decades! Peanut butter cookies layered with chocolate and a delicious peanut butter glaze! ๐Ÿฅœ๐Ÿซ
โ€ข
Trust me, your family will LOVE them!
โ€ข
Click the link in my bio to read through these helpful tips that will make your peanut butter bars a melt-in-your-mouth success!

#peanutbutterbars #peanutbuttercookies #pbbars #peanutbutterchocolate #peanutbutterlover #pbandchocolate
Start your day off on a flaky note with these skys Start your day off on a flaky note with these skyscraper buttermilk biscuits!
These melt-in-your-mouth treats are the perfect indulgence for breakfast, brunch, or anytime youโ€™re craving something buttery and delicious.
โ€ข
So go ahead, treat yourself to these heavenly delights and savor every flakey, buttery bite with me!
โ€ข
The recipe link is in my Instagram bio!

#butterybiscuits #homemadeisbest #breakfastindulgence #brunchgoals
Sharing my famous Lemon Curd Recipe! ๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ’› Sharing my famous Lemon Curd Recipe! ๐Ÿ‹๐ŸŒผ๐Ÿ’› The one that everyone says I should sell at farmers markets โ€” nah! Iโ€™ll just share the recipe with you all instead!
โ€ข
I love lemon curd, and use it for so many things!!
๐Ÿฐ Layered in a cake
๐Ÿฆ Swirled into ice cream
๐Ÿช Smashed between cookies
โ˜€๏ธ Filled inside scones

The possibilities are endless!! Give this recipe a try by clicking the link in my Instagram bio! And if youโ€™d like the recipes for my other lemon curd inspired goodies, theyโ€™re all linked in my Instagram stories!

#lemoncurd #lemoncurdcake #lemoncurdicecream #lemonicecream #lemondessert #lemoncurdrecipe
Have you ever tried an olive oil cake!? ๐Ÿฐ They Have you ever tried an olive oil cake!? ๐Ÿฐ They are incredibly soft and moist โ€” you gotta give it a try!
โ€ข
This citrus olive oil cake recipe features a tart lemon curd filling and a rich mascarpone frosting. Then we gently add flowers for beautiful decoration. It is an impressive looking and mouth-watering dessert thatโ€™s perfect for any special occasion! ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿค๐ŸŒผ

Recipe is linked in my Instagram bio!

#oliveoilcake #oliveoilcakes #lemoncurdcake #mascarponefrosting #mascarponeicing
Follow on Instagram
  • No-knead Crusty Bread in a Dutch oven No-knead Crusty Bread posted on September 19, 2018

  • Several chocolate drop cookies on white background Chocolate Drop Cookies posted on May 20, 2024

  • Wooden board with chocolate cookies with half chocolate icing and half vanilla icing Chocolate Half Moon Cookies posted on April 5, 2024

  • fried ice cream with spoonful taken out with honey and berries Fried Ice Cream posted on May 4, 2025

  • Glass of almond milk with 2 gray striped straws on wood board with container of almond milk in background Quick Homemade Almond Milk posted on June 3, 2020

  • pink iced heart sugar cookies Sour Cream Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting posted on February 8, 2025

  • Lemonade and raspberry lemonade in tall glasses Old Fashioned Lemonade posted on June 22, 2018

  • pan of frozen lemon curd ice cream with ice cream scoop No-Churn Lemon Curd Ice Cream posted on April 10, 2020

  • Rustic Strawberry Rhubarb tarts posted on April 12, 2019

  • Slices of No-knead Partially sliced Green Chile Cheddar Bread No-Knead Green Chile Cheddar Bread posted on August 20, 2024

Footer

Featured on

The Daily Meal Logo The foodgawker-logo reddit Logo BuzzFeed Logo halfbaked Harvest Logo Browneyed Baker Logo FOOD52 Logo University of Washington Logo sheknows Logo

Copyright © 2025 Janet Barton
Privacy Policy

 

Loading Comments...
 

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.