Red lentils break down into a thick, almost velvety stew as they simmer, and coconut milk stirred in at the end gives it a richness that makes this taste far more indulgent than a bowl of legumes has any right to. A heavy hand with turmeric and ginger isn't decoration here, it's the whole point, delivering two of the most researched anti-inflammatory compounds in the kitchen alongside the prebiotic fiber lentils are known for, the same fiber source behind our Simple Spiced Lentil Dal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (400ml) light coconut milk
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, to serve
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Melt coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ginger, turmeric, and cumin, and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils break down.
- Stir in coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Fold in spinach until wilted, then stir in lime juice and a pinch of salt. Top with cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 340 |
| Total fat | 13g |
| Total carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary fiber | 15g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Sodium | 260mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Lentils are a concentrated source of prebiotic fiber that beneficial bacteria ferment into gut-healing short-chain fatty acids like butyrate. Turmeric's curcumin and fresh ginger both reduce inflammatory signaling in the gut lining, and cooking them in fat from the coconut oil and coconut milk actually improves how well curcumin gets absorbed, since it's fat-soluble.
This stew thickens considerably overnight, so loosen leftovers with a splash of broth or water when reheating. It pairs well with our Cauliflower Turmeric Soup if you want two turmeric-forward meals in the same week.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.