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Wheat Warm Hearty Lentil

Featured in: Simple One-Pot Comfort Suppers

This dish brings together whole wheat berries and lentils in a richly spiced tomato sauce, simmered to tender perfection. Aromatics like garlic, ginger, onion, and a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala create a warm, inviting base. Carrots and bell peppers add texture and natural sweetness, while fresh cilantro and lemon juice brighten the flavors. Ideal as a satisfying, fiber-rich meal with a rustic, one-pot simplicity.

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Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:02:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry, a flavorful vegetarian main course, ready to eat. Save
Steaming bowl of Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry, a flavorful vegetarian main course, ready to eat. | basilpeak.com

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 hearty lentil curry has become my go to comfort food on chilly evenings, bringing warmth and satisfaction to the whole family.

Ingredients

  • Whole wheat berries: 1 cup, rinsed
  • Dried brown or green lentils: 1 cup, 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 yogurt or coconut yogurt: for serving (optional)

Instructions

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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.
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Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
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Product image
Bake lasagna, casseroles, and roasted dishes evenly, then serve straight from oven to table.
Check price on Amazon
Bright orange carrots and tender lentils in this Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry looks delicious and inviting. Save
Bright orange carrots and tender lentils in this Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry looks delicious and inviting. | basilpeak.com

This recipe has created so many cozy family dinners and even leftovers are just as tasty the next day.

Notes

For a gluten free version substitute wheat berries with brown rice or quinoa. Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra greens. Serve with naan or crusty bread for a heartier meal. Pair with a dry Riesling or light bodied red wine.

Required Tools

Large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten). Dairy may be present if serving with Greek yogurt use coconut yogurt for a dairy free option. Always check ingredient labels for cross contamination or hidden allergens.

Close-up of a rich, aromatic Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry, perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner. Save
Close-up of a rich, aromatic Wheat-Warm Hearty Lentil Curry, perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner. | basilpeak.com
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This lentil curry is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully for quick heating on busy days.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the wheat berries with brown rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option while maintaining similar texture and heartiness.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Incorporate chopped spinach or kale during the last five minutes of simmering to add vibrant greens and extra nutrients.

→ What pairs well with this warming dish?

Serve alongside naan bread or crusty artisan bread. A dry Riesling or a light-bodied red wine complements the spices beautifully.

→ Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely, this dish is vegetarian and high in fiber, featuring plant-based ingredients and spices for rich flavor.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, the chili flakes are optional and can be reduced or omitted to soften the heat according to preference.

Wheat Warm Hearty Lentil

Nutty wheat and tender lentils simmered with spices for a wholesome, warming meal.

Time to Prep
20 min
Time to Cook
50 min
Overall Time
70 min
Recipe by Hailey Evans


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Indian-inspired

Portions 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Grains & Legumes

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

Aromatics & Vegetables

01 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1-inch piece ginger, grated
04 2 medium carrots, diced
05 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 4 cups vegetable broth

Spices

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 2 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp ground coriander
04 1 tsp turmeric powder
05 1 tsp garam masala
06 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

01 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
02 1 tbsp lemon juice
03 Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, for serving (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add garlic and ginger: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Cook vegetables: Add diced carrots and red bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Toast spices: Sprinkle ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and chili flakes into the pot. Stir continuously for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 05

Combine grains and liquids: Add whole wheat berries and lentils to the pot. Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the pot's bottom.

Step 06

Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, or until wheat berries and lentils are tender and the curry has thickened. Stir occasionally and add additional broth or water if it becomes too thick.

Step 07

Season and garnish: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in lemon juice and half of the chopped cilantro.

Step 08

Serve: Dish out hot and garnish with the remaining cilantro. Optionally, top with a dollop of Greek or coconut yogurt.

Tools Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Advice

Look into all items for allergy risks and talk with a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten).
  • May contain dairy if served with Greek yogurt; substitute with coconut yogurt for dairy-free option.

Nutritional Details (by portion)

Details here are informative and do not replace personalized medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 410
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Proteins: 18 g