Hearty Curried Lentils with Crispy Bacon & Browned Cabbage: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, Stovetop Options!)

Welcome to a truly satisfying and incredibly versatile dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen: hearty simmered curried lentils with savory bacon and deeply browned cabbage. This flavorful creation is perfect for busy weeknights, offering maximum taste with minimal fuss. Whether you prefer the set-it-and-forget-it ease of a Crock Pot, the speed of an Instant Pot, or the traditional charm of a stovetop, this recipe adapts effortlessly. Serve it alongside warm naan bread and a fresh green salad for a complete, healthy, and unbelievably delicious meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to modify for a vegetarian diet, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy its rich flavors.

I can confidently say that lentils were a foreign concept to me growing up. My childhood culinary experiences rarely ventured beyond the familiar, and certainly, legumes like lentils weren’t on the menu. The closest I came to beans were the sugar-laden baked varieties, a far cry from the wholesome goodness I’d later discover.

As an adult, my palate expanded, driven by a growing curiosity for international cuisines. It was during this exploration that I first encountered the wonderful world of lentils. I tried various Indian Dal preparations made with red or brown lentils, and refreshing salads featuring French green lentils. Regardless of the specific dish, I was instantly captivated by their earthy flavor and satisfying texture, often gravitating towards the spicier renditions.

At the time, I simply enjoyed them for their taste. Little did I know, I was inadvertently embracing a true nutritional powerhouse. Discovering the health benefits of something you already love is arguably the best way to integrate it into your diet, wouldn’t you agree? It wasn’t a chore; it was a delicious revelation.

Why Are Lentils So Good For You? The Nutritional Powerhouse Unpacked

Lentils are an often-underestimated member of the legume family, alongside beans and peas. They are celebrated for their incredible nutritional profile, making them a fantastic and healthy alternative to meat. These tiny legumes are brimming with essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. Let’s delve into what makes them so beneficial:

• High in Protein: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions. This makes them particularly valuable for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption without compromising on protein intake.
• Rich in Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble fiber are abundant in lentils. Fiber is vital for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Soluble fiber also plays a role in lowering cholesterol levels and managing blood sugar. A single half-cup serving provides a significant portion of our daily fiber needs, actively promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
• Low in Fat: Naturally low in fat, lentils contribute to a heart-healthy diet. This makes them a smart choice for those monitoring their fat intake.
• Packed with Folate: Folate (Vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and red blood cell formation. It’s particularly important during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
• Significant Iron Content: Iron is critical for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia. A mere half-cup of lentils provides approximately 15% of our daily iron needs, making them a fantastic source, especially for those on plant-based diets who might struggle to get enough iron from other sources.
• Abundant in Phosphorus and Potassium: Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, while potassium is vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, including those of the heart.
• Complex Carbohydrates: Unlike simple sugars, the carbohydrates in lentils are complex, meaning they are digested slowly. This provides a steady release of energy, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Given their remarkable health benefits and delicious taste, incorporating lentils into my cooking became an obvious choice. They’re not just good for you; they taste amazing, transforming simple meals into something special.

Beyond their nutritional prowess, I quickly appreciated lentils for their culinary convenience. Unlike many other beans, lentils do not require pre-soaking, which significantly cuts down on preparation time. This characteristic, combined with their relatively quick cooking time, makes them a practical and accessible ingredient for busy home cooks. Furthermore, they are remarkably economical, offering a budget-friendly source of protein and nutrients that can stretch a meal further.

As a result of this love affair with lentils, our family frequently enjoys dishes like the best sausage and lentil stew ever, a comforting and robust meal that consistently receives rave reviews. We also enjoy fast and easy curried red lentil soup, though perhaps a bit less often, primarily due to red lentils being slightly harder to find and a touch more expensive than their brown counterparts.

The Inspiration: A Curried Lentil Dish with a Twist

For quite some time, I’d harbored the idea of creating a unique curried lentil dish. I wanted something that would not only deliver on flavor but also incorporate the incredible benefits of turmeric – because, frankly, I consider turmeric nothing short of a wonder spice, with its vibrant color and anti-inflammatory properties. But I also craved something a bit different, an unexpected element that would elevate the entire experience. That’s when bacon entered the picture. Yes, bacon.

We all know the saying, “Everything’s better with bacon,” and while it might seem unconventional for an Indian curry-flavored dish, I assure you, a touch of crispy, smoky bacon adds an unparalleled depth of flavor. It introduces a savory richness that beautifully complements the warmth of the curry spices. And once those few slices of bacon were cooked to perfection, leaving behind their delicious rendered fat, it was a no-brainer to utilize that flavorful base. Sautéing onions, garlic, and cabbage in the residual bacon grease, carefully scraping up all those browned, caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan, creates a foundation of flavor that is truly irresistible.

The resulting recipe was nothing short of amazing. The medley of spices, the savory bacon, and the subtly sweet, browned cabbage all mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a dish far greater than the sum of its parts. My entire family, often discerning critics, was genuinely impressed that such a humble-looking bowl could pack such a powerful and delicious punch. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create culinary magic.

Curried Lentils with Bacon & Browned Cabbage: The Recipe

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Lentils

• Brown Lentils: The backbone of this dish, offering a robust, earthy flavor and a satisfying texture.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid for simmering. Broth will add an extra layer of savory depth.
• Curry Powder: The star spice, bringing warmth and characteristic curry flavor. Adjust quantity based on desired intensity and heat level.
• Turmeric: For its vibrant color, earthy notes, and acclaimed health benefits.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, slightly pungent flavor that is quintessential to many curries.
• Red Pepper Flakes: To introduce a customizable level of heat and a subtle kick.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
• Bacon (Optional): Adds a smoky, savory richness. If making it vegetarian, you’ll brown the cabbage in a neutral oil instead.
• Onion: Aromatic foundation, providing sweetness and depth once sautéed.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, crucial for the savory base.
• Cabbage: When browned, it develops a wonderful sweetness and tender texture that pairs beautifully with the lentils.
• Tomato: Fresh, diced tomatoes add a bright, acidic counterpoint and a burst of freshness as a topping.
• Parsley or Chives: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish, adding color and a hint of fresh flavor.

For those preferring a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. The medley of spices, browned cabbage, and aromatics creates such a rich and complex flavor profile that you truly won’t miss the meat (well, maybe just a little, but it’s still incredibly satisfying!). Brown your cabbage and aromatics in olive, avocado, or coconut oil to maintain the delicious browned notes.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, or Large Stockpot: Your choice for cooking the lentils, offering flexibility based on your schedule and preference.
• Skillet: Essential for cooking the bacon (if using) and browning the vegetables, building crucial flavor.
• Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: For efficient preparation of all your fresh ingredients.

Detailed Directions for Perfectly Cooked Curried Lentils

The beauty of this curried lentil recipe lies in its adaptability. You can cook the lentils using your preferred method, whether it’s the gentle heat of a slow cooker, the rapid efficiency of an Instant Pot, or the classic approach of a stovetop. Each method yields delicious results, allowing you to tailor the cooking process to your day.

• The Slow Cooker Method: This is ideal for days when you’re around the house but don’t want to actively monitor your cooking. Simply combine all lentil ingredients in the slow cooker bowl, give them a good stir, and set it to Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours. The lentils will gently simmer, absorbing the rich flavors as the liquid slowly evaporates, resulting in a tender, deeply flavored dish.
• The Stove Top Method: For a more hands-on approach or when you want to get dinner on the table relatively quickly, the stovetop is a great option. Add all lentil ingredients to a large stockpot, bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
• The Instant Pot Method: If time is of the essence, the Instant Pot is your best friend. This method slashes cooking time significantly. Add all lentil ingredients to the Instant Pot insert, secure the lid, and set it to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on high pressure for just 10 minutes. Factor in about 15 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully performing a quick release. The lentils will be perfectly cooked and ready to proceed with the rest of the recipe.

• Prepare the Flavorful Cabbage Mixture: While your lentils are cooking using your chosen method, particularly during the last 20-30 minutes, you’ll prepare the aromatic vegetable mixture. If you’re including bacon, cook it in a large skillet until it’s wonderfully crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels, crumble it, and set it aside, reserving the delicious bacon fat in the skillet.
• Next, sauté your chopped onions in the bacon grease (or your chosen oil for a vegetarian version) over medium heat until they soften and begin to caramelize, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and the roughly chopped cabbage to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to get nicely browned and develop a sweet, nutty flavor. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and continue to cook until the cabbage is tender, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Towards the end of this cooking period, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the pan; this will help deglaze the skillet, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the bottom and incorporating them into your vegetable mixture.
• Combine and Season: Once both the lentils and the cabbage mixture are cooked, scrape the flavorful vegetables into the pot with the lentils. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper, or even a pinch more red pepper flakes if you desire more heat.
• Serve with Fresh Toppings: Transfer the hearty curried lentils to individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh, diced tomatoes, which offer a burst of freshness and a cooling contrast to the warm spices. If you used bacon, sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top for added crunch and savory flavor. Finish with a flourish of fresh chopped chives or parsley.

Serving Suggestions and Enhancements

We love our curries with a bit of a kick, so I tend to use hot curry powder in conjunction with red pepper flakes. This combination creates a wonderfully spicy and aromatic dish. To balance this heat, a classic Indian approach is to add a cooling element.

• Fresh Chopped Tomatoes: Topping the lentil mixture with a generous handful of fresh chopped tomatoes is not just for visual appeal; it introduces a delightful cool and hot contrast that brightens the entire dish and adds a juicy texture.
• Yogurt or Garlic-Yogurt Sauce: Yogurt is a traditional accompaniment to many spicy Indian foods, offering a creamy, cooling sensation. I often serve a simple yet incredibly flavorful garlic-yogurt sauce alongside. To make it, simply mix one cup of plain yogurt with the juice from half a lemon and one teaspoon of minced garlic. The tanginess of the lemon and the pungency of the garlic perfectly cut through the richness of the curry.
• Flatbread and Salad: For a wonderfully rounded and satisfying dinner, pair these curried lentils with warm flatbread, such as naan or roti, perfect for scooping up every last bit of the delicious lentils. A crisp green salad on the side adds freshness and complements the meal beautifully. While it makes a fantastic main course, this dish also works exceptionally well as a flavorful side, especially for potlucks or gatherings, where it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Did lentils feature in your childhood meals, or have you, like me, discovered their wonderful versatility and health benefits later in life? I’d love to hear your experiences and favorite ways to cook with them!

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5 from 2 votes

Curried Lentils with Bacon & Browned Cabbage

This healthy and robust dish of curried lentils, enriched with crispy bacon and deeply browned cabbage, serves beautifully as both a hearty side or a satisfying main course. Its flexible preparation means you can easily adapt it for a vegetarian diet. It’s perfect when served with warm garlic naan and a crisp salad, offering a complete and delicious meal with multiple cooking options including slow cooker, stove top, or Instant Pot for your convenience.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time50 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Yield: 8 servings

Author: Jami Boys

Equipment

• Slow cooker OR Instant Pot OR Stock pot
• Cutting board and chef’s knife

Ingredients

Lentils

• 1-1/4 cups brown lentils, rinsed and picked over as needed to remove any small stones or debris
• 4 cups water or chicken broth (broth adds more depth of flavor)
• 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons curry powder (use the smaller amount if your curry powder is hot, or more if mild, adjust to your preference)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric (for color and earthy notes)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoon salt, less if using a salted chicken broth instead of water, adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste for desired heat

Bacon Browned Cabbage

• 4 pieces bacon* (adds smoky depth, optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups roughly chopped cabbage (about 1/4 large head, aim for pieces that will tenderize but still have some bite)

Topping

• 1 or 2 tomatoes, diced (for freshness and a cooling contrast)
• Chopped parsley or chives garnish, optional (adds fresh herb flavor and color)
• yogurt, optional (plain yogurt, or a garlic-lemon yogurt sauce, for serving on the side)

Instructions

Cook Lentils:

• Slow Cooker Method:

  Add all lentil ingredients (rinsed lentils, water/broth, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) to the bowl of a slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to ensure all spices are well distributed. Cook on Low setting for approximately 4 hours, or on High setting for 2 hours, until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed or evaporated.

• Stove Top Method:

  Combine all lentil ingredients in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot. Stir well to mix all the spices and liquids with the lentils. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 40-50 minutes. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender to the bite and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Instant Pot Method:

  Place all lentil ingredients into the insert of your Instant Pot. Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing vent is closed. Select the Manual (or Pressure Cook) button and set the cooking time for 10 minutes on high pressure. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to come up to pressure before cooking begins. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully turn the valve to Quick Release (QR) any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

Cook Cabbage:

• In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is deliciously crisp (if you are using bacon). Once cooked, remove the bacon slices from the skillet and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble the crispy bacon and set it aside for topping.
• Sauté the chopped onion in the rendered bacon grease. (If making vegetarian, use 1-2 tablespoons of olive, avocado, or coconut oil instead of bacon grease.) Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped cabbage to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the cabbage to brown and develop caramelized edges, which adds immense flavor.
• Reduce the heat back to low, cover the skillet, and continue to cook the cabbage until it is tender, which should take approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Towards the end of this period, add a couple of tablespoons of water to the pan and scrape the bottom with a spoon to deglaze, incorporating all those flavorful browned bits into the cabbage mixture.

To Serve:

• Carefully scrape the cooked vegetable mixture from the skillet into the pot with the cooked lentils. Stir everything together very well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the flavors are evenly distributed. Taste the dish and season further with more salt and pepper, or additional red pepper flakes, as desired, to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
• Transfer the hearty lentil mixture to serving bowls. Generously top with fresh, diced tomatoes for a burst of vibrant color and refreshing flavor. If you opted for bacon, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Finish with an optional garnish of fresh chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately with a side of plain yogurt (or the suggested garlic-yogurt sauce) and your favorite flatbread, like naan or roti.

Notes

*To easily adapt this delicious dish for a vegetarian diet, simply omit the bacon entirely. Instead of bacon grease, brown the cabbage and aromatics in 1-2 tablespoons of a neutral, high-heat oil such as coconut oil, avocado oil, or olive oil. The rich combination of spices and browned vegetables will still provide ample flavor. Proceed with the remainder of the recipe as directed.

This curried lentil dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining portions in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors often deepen and meld even further overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 89.51kcal | Carbohydrates: 8.72g | Protein: 3.89g | Fat: 4.64g | Saturated Fat: 1.51g | Cholesterol: 7.26mg | Sodium: 665.1mg | Potassium: 211.89mg | Fiber: 3.36g | Sugar: 2.27g | Vitamin A: 199.44IU | Vitamin C: 16.66mg | Calcium: 27.1mg | Iron: 1.09mg

Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

More Delicious Lentil Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed this curried lentil dish and are looking to further expand your lentil repertoire, you’re in luck! Lentils are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a myriad of comforting and healthy meals. Here are a few more family favorites that we highly recommend trying: