This coconut-curried lentil eggplant stew is a vegan’s ultimate comfort food; healthy, rich, hearty and filling. The combination of flavours-bitter eggplant, nutty lentils, sweet coconut, and tart lemon juice, make for an explosion of flavour in every bite!
This one-pot (actually, pan) wonder is so easy to prepare and is an ideal, comforting meal on a cold winter’s night for the entire family.
Although I prefer using dried lentils in most recipes, canned ones are convenient as they reduce cooking time. I always have a variety of canned beans stored in the pantry for a quick and easy way to add protein to a vegan meal.
Ingredients
(Serves 4 as a side dish)
1 garlic clove, finely minced (or halved and removed before serving)
1/2 medium red onion, finely diced
1 large eggplant, cut into 1 – 1 1/2 inch cubes
1 x 19 oz can of lentils, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup canned coconut milk
1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. curry powder
2 tbs. freshly chopped parsley
red pepper flakes (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil in a medium frying pan on medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the garlic and onions and saute for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
Increase the heat to medium and add the cubed eggplant, coconut milk, vegetable broth and spices (except for the parsley) and stir to combine. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is just fork tender.
In the meantime, drain the lentils (do not rinse-the starchy liquid will help thicken the stew) then add to the pan. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes (uncovered) until the lentils are heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serve warm alone or over a bed of brown rice, couscous, or quinoa. Set aside a portion for baby and puree until you get the desired consistency.
I have never tried lentils, something about the consistency of beans. But I would love to make this for my grandma, she could live off of lentils!
Lol! Your grandma and I have have similar culinary tastes!
I absolutely love coconut curry lentils but have never made it with eggplant. It sounds absolutely heavenly! I am definitely trying this!
It’s a great combination…nutty lentils, sweet coconut milk, and bitter eggplant…plus a splash of tart lemon 😉
I’ve never found an eggplant recipe that I like. I really want to since it’s so healthy. Maybe I’ll try this recipe and see if I like it like this.
I think you would like this!!
Interesting recipe — I would never have put coconut and curry together. Will have to try this one!
That looks fantastic. I love stew and eggplant. I will have to try making it for my mom and me.
It’s a very hearty, winter dish!
We love lentils in this house and I love coconut. Looks like it might be a great recipe for my slow cooker.
Good idea! I don’t even own one, lol! You could definitely make this in a slow cooker. Just be sure to use dried lentils and increase the liquid ratio!
Looks like a perfect dish for a cold weather! I haven’t thought of using lentils and coconut together, but it looks yummy! Thanks for sharing!
This looks and sounds amazing … except for the eggplant. I’m an adventure eater … I’ve eaten brains and eyeballs, scorpions and live grubs. But eggplant? Can’t do it.
That’s hilarious!! I’ve eaten a lot of similar things…but then they’re other ‘normal’ things I won’t touch!!!
What a combination, I would of never mixed coconut with eggplant. Very interesting! We love egg plants.
I hope you try this then! The sweet coconut really balances out the bitter aftertaste of the eggplant!
I have not had the egg plant in a long time but also never had this kind of stew before though i am not vegetarian i love the look of it and want to try it out
I love those dishes where you can enjoy them without having to be vegetarian…this would be great as a side dish too with a protein such as fish or chicken!
definitely would try it with fish i can so picture that
Oh that looks so yummy and hearty. I love cooking with lentils
What a yummy recipe that I can serve as a whole meal! Love lentils! I do not have that many recipes on how to prepare them so I appreciate your post!
I hope you do make this, it’s delicious! This recipe requires canned lentils but there are some other recipes on my Blog that require dried lentils.
Well, my gramma use to make lentil soup with ham and tiny noodles, but not with all this. Okay I must say this combination is truly different.
Thanks! It’s funny because this recipe was so impromptu…and now it’s becomes one of my favourites!
i’ve never cooked lentils before, but i do love curry and eggplant. 🙂 this looks perfect to eat this time of year!
The lentils were almost an after-thought! You could easily just made this with eggplant…although the lentils do add nuttiness and texture.
Would you believe I have never tried curry or lentils? Maybe I need to open up my pallet a little bit.
Really?! That’s okay… I never grew up on these kinds of foods but since deciding to follow a more clean diet they’ve become a part of my daily repertoire!
This looks really hearty and delicious. It’s a plus that it doesn’t require any meat!
The eggplant does add that meaty texture so it’s a great stew for vegetarians or vegans!
This looks like a really delicious stew. I’m sure it’s healthy too with the eggplant.
Sounds like a great stew! I’ve never tried eggplant before but I will definitely give it a try.
What kind and how much lentils do you add? This is not specified under the ingredients….I really want to make this :D!
How did I miss that?! Thanks for pointing it out. I just added it to the list of ingredients. Would also love feedback on the recipe when you try it, thanks!
Actually, you could use any variety of canned lentils…you could also substitute with chickpeas or another legume 😉
Lisa!!! I’m eating this right now, and it’s delicious!! I am a terrible cook (and hate to do it too) but this was SO EASY. It will definitely be in my regular rotation once I go back to work. Thanks for posting 🙂
Awesome!! Good to hear! Even ‘terrible’ cooks can make this, lol! I love to hear how successful recipes are for those who actually don’t enjoy cooking…I’m hoping it will give them the motivation and confidence to get in the kitchen and be more adventurous when it comes to cooking! 😉
This looks so yummy and perfect for winter! I’ve never combined coconut with lentils. Thanks so much for the great recipe!
I make this dish often during the winter months…my kids love it, except I do have the chop the eggplant up very finely. I think they get turned of by the tough outer skin! And by the way, coconut in anything is delicious, lol!
this looks awesome, I love the recipes you share 🙂
Thanks Terri Lynn! I love getting feedback when people try my recipes…it’s so important for me to know if people have success with them 😉
Oh it does look ideal for a cold winter’s day. I am not sure if I’ve had lentil soup. But looks like I must try this!
Never had lentil soup? You have to try it!! You can make a huge batch and store it in the freezer (it freezes really well!). I have 2 other recipes for lentil soup (without coconut) if you want to try them: http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/chicken-potato-and-dill-lentil-stew/
http://www.bitesforbabies.com/recipes/indian-inspired-lentil-puree/
I love lentils. I am actually having lentil soup today. So yummy! Although I am not a fan of eggplant, I don’t mind giving this a go. The combination of the ingredients sound interesting.
Everything you post a comment I realize more and more how much we have in common! I LOVE lentils! You should try it…if you don’t love eggplant just add the coconut milk…or maybe some rice too 😉