Red Lentil Coconut Curry

Red Lentil Coconut Curry with Cilantro Chutney

GF | V | Serves 4–6

photography: A Couple Cooks FOR THE CURRY

2 cups uncooked brown basmati rice 1 medium yellow onion 3 medium garlic cloves 1 (3-inch) nub fresh ginger 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup red lentils 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk, divided ¼ cup red curry paste* 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon kosher salt 4–5 cups baby spinach leaves, packed (chopped if leaves are large)

FOR THE CHUTNEY

¼ cup diced yellow onion (reserved from above) 2 cups packed cilantro leaves and tender stems ¼ cup chopped golden raisins 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Make brown rice.

Make the curry: Peel and dice the onion. Reserve ¼ cup for the chutney and set aside; use the remaining portion for the curry. Peel and mince the garlic. Peel and mince the ginger and measure out 2 tablespoons. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute. Add the lentils, tomatoes, 1 cup coconut milk, 2 cups water, red curry paste, tomato paste and kosher salt. Bring to a simmer and cook very gently, just barely bubbling, for 10–15 minutes, until the lentils are soft (if not, cook a few minutes more until tender). Stir in the spinach along with 2 tablespoons coconut milk and cook until the leaves wilt. Taste and add additional kosher salt or coconut milk to taste.

Make the chutney: Meanwhile, make the chutney using an immersion blender or standard blender to blend the reserved ¼ cup diced onion, cilantro, golden raisins, white wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt and ¼ cup water. Blend into a thick, smooth sauce. To serve, spoon the lentils over rice and top with a dollop of chutney.

*If your brand of red curry paste is very spicy, add it in gradually to taste. Our preferred brand adds flavor without excessive heat, but make sure to taste test before adding the entire amount.

Indiana’s Next Foodie Destination

Whitestown & Zionsville

Did you know Whitestown has been Indiana’s fastest-growing community for the past seven years, and Zionsville is one of the top places to live in Indiana? As our community grows we want to grow with it, especially within the local food movement. We are seeking local artisan food businesses to join our community, helping us to create a desirable culinary destination.

Boone County is committed to developing our local economy with an active food scene. Our community is on the hunt to cultivate a robust foodie destination with bakeries, breweries, butcher shops, juice bars, local eateries, artisan producers and other Indiana-grown entrepreneurs.

The Boone County Economic Development Corporation offers a microloan program as a convenient funding option for small business owners. We are committed to providing sustainable growth to partners wishing to locate to Boone County in the foreseeable future.

To learn more about developing your food business in Boone County, contact Megan at 317.995.0344 or visit BetterInBoone.org.