reuniondinner
Cari Lentilles
Earthy lentil curry cooked Réunion-style with turmeric, ginger and tomatoes.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.5(178 ratings)#lentils#vegetarian#curry#creole#comfort
About This Recipe
Cari Lentilles is the go-to vegetarian curry on Réunion Island. Simple yellow lentils are simmered with tomatoes, turmeric and ginger into a deeply comforting dish. It is always served alongside the main carry and rice, forming the holy trinity of a Réunionais plate.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 300 gyellow lentils(rinsed)
- 2tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tspturmeric
- 1 tbspginger(grated)
- 3 clovesgarlic(minced)
- 2 tbspoil
Instructions
- 1
Sauté aromatics
Heat oil and fry garlic and ginger 1 minute, then add turmeric.
- 2
Add tomatoes
Stir in tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until soft.
- 3
Add lentils
Add lentils and 700 ml water, season with salt.
- 4
Simmer
Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes until lentils are soft.
- 5
Serve
Serve alongside rice and a meat carry.
Pro Tips
- →
Add a squeeze of lime at the end for brightness.
- →
Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
Variations
- •
Cari pois rouges (red kidney beans)
- •
Cari haricots (green beans)
Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days; add water when reheating.
History & Origin
Lentil curry was brought to Réunion by Indian indentured labourers and became an inseparable side dish in the Creole feast tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lentils work best?
Yellow split lentils cook quickly; green lentils hold their shape better.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Calories280kcal
Protein16g
Carbohydrates42g
Fat6g
Fiber10g
Protein16g
Carbs42g
Fat6g
Time Summary
Prep time10 min
Cook time30 min
Total time40 min
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