Madras Lentils Tasty Bite (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 28g unsalted butter
02 - 1 yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

→ Spices

06 - 60g tomato paste
07 - 2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp cumin
09 - ¾ tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp ground coriander seed
11 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper

→ Main Components

12 - 1L vegetable broth
13 - 180g dry black lentils (brown lentils can be substituted)
14 - 425g kidney beans, drained
15 - 120mL half and half (or canned coconut milk for vegan option)

→ Serving

16 - Fresh cilantro
17 - Naan bread
18 - Cooked rice

# Instructions:

01 - Heat unsalted butter in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Cook until onions are soft and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes.
02 - Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, ground coriander seed, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes to transform the tomato flavor from sour to savory.
03 - Add vegetable broth and dry black lentils. Cover and let gently simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.
04 - If serving with rice, begin cooking it according to package instructions while lentils are simmering.
05 - Remove from heat and stir in drained kidney beans and half and half. Serve warm over rice, topped with fresh cilantro and accompanied by naan bread.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe creates a rich, flavorful dish similar to the popular Tasty Bite Madras Lentils.