Spicy & flavourful Indian style Vegan Keema Lentils. This lentil Keema recipe is a quick and easy dinner that can be cooked on the stovetop in under 30 minutes, or in a slow cooker.
PREP TIME: 5 minutesminutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutesminutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutesminutes
Servings: 4servings
Ingredients
1tablespoonoil, or a few drops of water for oil-free
3cupscanned/cooked green lentils, see recipe notes if you wish to use dried green lentils or are using an Instant Pot
1½ cups (360mls)vegetable stock
2tablespoonssoy sauce
1teaspoonsea salt
1teaspoonfreshly ground pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Stovetop method
Add oil to a pan and turn heat to medium. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
Add the ginger and garlic and carry on cooking for one minute more.
Add the spices and the chili flakes and cook for about a minute or until fragrant, stirring continuously.
Add the lentils, stock, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated (about 10 - 15 minutes). Stir every so often.
Serve with rice and garnishes of choice.
Slow cooker method
Put all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours (or a little longer to suit your schedule).
In the last 10 to 15 minutes take the lid off the slow cooker to let some of the liquid evaporate.
Instant Pot Method (use dried green lentils & extra stock)
Turn Instant Pot to saute. Add the oil and onion and cook until translucent.
Add the ginger and garlic and cook for one minute more, cancel the saute function, then add the spices and chili flakes and let them cook in the residual heat, stirring frequently for a minute or two until fragrant.
Add 1¼ cup (238 grams) dried green lentils (they must be dry/uncooked for the Instant Pot version), the stock (you need extra for the Instant Pot - a total of 4 cups 960ml), soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and stir.
Put the lid on, seal the vent and cook for 12 minutes on manual high pressure, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
Open the lid. The lentils will be cooked and ready to serve immediately, but if you prefer them thicker, turn the Instant Pot to saute and allow them to simmer gently until reduced to your liking.
NOTES
To make this recipe with dried green lentils use 1¼ cups of lentils and increase the broth to 4 cups. If cooking in a pan on the hob the cooking time will increase by about 25 mins, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. If cooking in a slow cooker it will take around 4 - 5 hours or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.If using an Instant Pot you need to use 1¼ cup (238 grams) dried green lentils and you need to increase the stock to 4 cups (960ml). The results will be a bit soupy but the extra liquid is necessary. Follow my directions for reducing the liquid once the Instant Pot has released pressure for thicker lentils.