Step 1

Bring water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add lentils, bring back to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 7-10 minutes or until just tender. You want them to be cooked through but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In the meantime, heat a large rimmed skillet or pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil (or water), mustard seed, cumin seed, coriander seed, and cardamom pods. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant and popping (stirring occasionally).

Step 3

Add shallot, ginger, and serrano pepper and stir. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The shallot should be soft and translucent. Then add garlic and stir once more.

Step 4

Add cauliflower, red bell pepper, potato, curry powder, and salt and stir. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

If grating your tomatoes, do so and add to the pan now. If using diced canned tomatoes, I recommend giving them a quick blend in a food processor or small blender to create more of a purée. Once tomatoes have been added to the pan, also add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 6

Add cooked drained lentils, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and coconut milk and stir. Bring back to a simmer and cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. You can simmer this for up to 15 minutes, but it’s not necessary.

Step 7

Taste and adjust flavors as needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness, curry powder to intensify the curry flavor, salt to taste, or coconut aminos for saltiness / depth of flavor. We added a bit more of each.

Step 8

To serve, divide between serving bowls and enjoy as is or with a side of naan, rice, steamed greens, or quinoa (optional). Fresh lime juice and cilantro make lovely additions as well (optional). NOTE: Be careful not to eat the cardamom seeds as they can have quite a kick!

Step 9

Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan. Add more vegetable broth or coconut milk as needed to rehydrate.