Save Pin A comforting, rustic one-pot meal featuring nutty whole wheat berries, tender lentils, and a richly spiced tomato curry. Perfect for a wholesome, warming dinner.
This dish has become a family favorite for its simplicity and depth of flavor, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat berries: 1 cup, rinsed
- Brown or green lentils: 1 cup dried, rinsed
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can
- Vegetable broth: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 2 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1 tsp
- Turmeric: 1 tsp
- Garam masala: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp optional for heat
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh cilantro: 1/2 cup chopped
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Greek or coconut yogurt: for serving optional
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and ginger sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add carrots and bell pepper cook for 3 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Step 5:
- Add wheat berries and lentils. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Step 6:
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 50 minutes or until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry is thickened. Stir occasionally and add more broth or water if needed.
- Step 7:
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice and half the chopped cilantro.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining cilantro and a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Save Pin This recipe always brings the family together around the table for a warm and satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the curry with naan or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pairing Ideas
Perfectly pairs with a dry Riesling or a light-bodied red wine enhancing the meal experience.
Dietary Notes
This dish is vegetarian high fiber and can be made dairy-free by opting for coconut yogurt.
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This hearty lentil curry is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation offering both comfort and nutrition.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the wheat berries with brown rice or quinoa to keep it gluten-free without compromising texture.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor?
Ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and smoked paprika create a warm, earthy profile with subtle heat and depth.
- → What is the best way to cook the wheat berries and lentils evenly?
Slowly simmer them together in the vegetable broth until both reach tender consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to this preparation?
Yes, adding greens like spinach or kale towards the end enhances nutrition and freshness without altering cooking times drastically.
- → What dishes complement this hearty meal well?
This dish pairs nicely with naan, crusty bread, or a light-bodied red wine such as a dry Riesling for balance.