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Home » Recipes » Soup Recipes

Tasty Madras Lentils (Vegan)

Published on June 11, 2019 by Kate, Updated on February 4, 2021 - 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure.

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overhead shot of madras lentils served up in a white bowl with cilantro garnish and coconut cream swirl

A delightfully simple and delicious take on Madras lentils.  They're so creamy, rich, and satisfying that you'll forget that they're vegan and healthy too!

overhead closeup photo of a bowl of madras lentils with garnish of chopped cilantro

Tasty Bite Madras Lentils are pretty well known for being the yummiest lentils-in-a-packet out there!!  This easy copy-cat version is not only just as delicious, but also dairy-free, vegan, and healthy!! 

How to make Madras Lentils:

Dice onion and sauté with cumin, ground ginger and red pepper flakes in the bottom of large soup pot for several minutes until onions are almost clear.  Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute (Photo 1).

Rinse and add lentils, can of diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato paste, water and vegan chicken broth seasoning or vegetable broth. (Photo 2).

Bring soup to a boil, then place the lid on the pot and reduce heat to simmer.  Simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until lentils are soft, adding rinsed and drained canned red beans at about the ½ hour mark.  

Just before serving (after the heat is turned off!) add just the cream from a can of chilled coconut milk (you can save the liquid for smoothies later!) and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro (Photos 3 & 4).

overhead photo collage of process shots for making madras lentils

What is coconut cream and why use it?

When you chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight, the creamy part that solidifies at the top is called the 'cream'.  Open your can carefully (ie. don't shake it up!) and scoop the cream out to add ultimate creamy-dreaminess to your lentils - without any dairy! 

wide overhead photo of two white bowls of madras lentils on marble background with crushed red pepper nearby and cilantro at the side

Expert tip - Making the best Broth:

Instead of making or buying vegetable broth all the time, I like to keep vegan chicken-style bouillon on hand and then just add the water and bouillon needed to the pot.  Aside from the easy storage, I find the flavor to be far superior to vegetable broth in many recipes.  Sometimes I make my own vegan chicken broth, or I often purchase McKay's or Better than bouillon.

Red Beans vs. Kidney Beans:

You can use either, but I prefer canned red beans.  They are slightly softer and a bit smaller than traditional kidney beans, and are the perfect complement to lentils is this recipe.

side closeup shot of a spoonful of madras lentils

I can totally almost taste these Madras Lentils with:

  • Vegan Naan Bread
  • A swirl of vegan yogurt on top

Other vegan lentil recipes you will love:

  • Creamy vegan lentil soup
  • Mediterranean style red lentils and chickpeas soup
  • Vegan lentil burgers
  • Lentil tabbouleh
  • Vegan lentil cakes

If you’ve tried this Madras Lentils recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I LOVE hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food!!!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE??  PLEASE CLICK ON THE STARS TO GIVE IT A RATING BELOW!!

overhead photo of madras lentils in a white bowl with garnish of cilantro and cilantro

Madras Lentils

These creamy dreamy Madras Lentils and red beans are simple to make, are naturally vegan, and the perfect savory and hearty soup for any occasion!
4.19 from 27 votes
Print recipe Leave a comment
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 314kcal
Author: Kate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 Tbsp vegan margarine
  • 8 cups water, can replace with vegetable broth if not using vegan chicken seasoning
  • 1.5 cups dry brown lentils
  • 10 oz canned petite diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 Tbsp Mckay's vegan Chickenstyle Seasoning, or other options in notes below
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ tsp ground ginger
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 15 oz canned red beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup coconut cream, from canned coconut milk
  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Dice onion and sauté with cumin and red pepper flakes in the bottom of large soup pot for several minutes until onions are almost clear.  Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for another minute.
  • Rinse and add lentils, can of diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato paste, water and vegan chicken broth seasoning or vegetable broth.
  • Bring soup to a boil, then place the lid on the pot and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for approximately 45 minutes or until lentils are soft, adding rinsed and drained canned red beans at about the ½ hour mark.  
  • Just before serving (after the heat is turned off!) add just the cream from a can of chilled coconut milk (you can save the liquid for smoothies later!) and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Notes

What is coconut cream and why use it?

When you chill a can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight, the creamy part that solidifies at the top is called the 'cream'.  Open your can carefully (ie. don't shake it up!) and scoop the cream out to add ultimate creamy-dreaminess to your lentils - without any dairy!
There are also quite a few stores where you can now buy canned coconut cream.  No need to chill in order to separate it, just straight up use it!
Expert tip - Making the best Broth:
Instead of making or buying vegetable broth all the time, I like to keep vegan chicken-style bouillon on hand and then just add the water and bouillon needed to the pot.  Aside from the easy storage, I find the flavor to be far superior to vegetable broth in many recipes. Sometimes I make my own vegan chicken broth, or I often purchase McKay's or Better than bouillon.

Red Beans vs. Kidney Beans:

You can use either, but I prefer canned red beans.  They are slightly softer and a bit smaller than traditional kidney beans, and are the perfect complement to lentils is this recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 869mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 385IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 5.5mg

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Corey B

    March 12, 2022 at 3:28 pm

    What do you do with the rest of the coconut milk after you remove the cream?

    Can these be frozen at some point in the process or will that ruin the texture? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kate

      March 31, 2022 at 9:55 am

      I usually just use the coconut milk for other recipes (creamy soups, smoothies), or in coffee. I haven't tried freezing it, but I think it might be OK to freeze the final dish (once it cools to room temp). It might separate a little while thawing but can probably be stirred back together. Let me know how it works out if you try freezing it!

      Reply
  2. Julie

    January 03, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    I made this recipe today and they are THE best Madeas Lentils I have ever made! I didn’t have fenugreek so I left it out this time. This recipe will definitely become a staple at our house! Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Kate

      January 03, 2021 at 9:48 pm

      I'm so glad to hear that!!

      Reply

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