Wheat Warm Hearty Lentil (Print Version)

Nutty wheat berries with tender lentils and spices create a rich, warming main dish perfect for chilly evenings.

# What to Use:

→ Grains & Legumes

01 - 1 cup whole wheat berries, rinsed
02 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

03 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 medium carrots, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
13 - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
14 - 1 teaspoon garam masala
15 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
17 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

18 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
20 - Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for serving, optional

# How to Prepare:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced carrots and red bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Stir constantly for 1 minute to release aromas.
05 - Add rinsed whole wheat berries and lentils. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
06 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry has thickened. Stir occasionally, adding extra broth or water if necessary.
07 - Season with salt and pepper. Stir in lemon juice and half the chopped cilantro.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with remaining cilantro and a dollop of Greek or coconut yogurt if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Wholesome and hearty ingredients
  • Richly spiced for warming flavor
02 -
  • For a gluten-free version use brown rice or quinoa instead of wheat berries
  • Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra greens
03 -
  • Toast the spices to release their aroma before adding liquids
  • Adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level
Go Back