Baked Coconut Red Lentils and Greens

Updated March 23, 2026

Media 1 of 1
Ready In
50 min
Rating
5(423)
Comments
Read comments

Of all the lentils in the rainbow, split red lentils are some of the speediest to cook. This recipe takes advantage of that swiftness in a hot oven, where lentils and spinach soften in a spiced tomato-coconut broth in less than 45 minutes. Baking the lentils allows them to absorb warmth from all sides, concentrating flavors and producing a thick stew without the need to stir. Quick-pickled, chile-spiked onions scented and stained with turmeric complete the dish with a spicy, bright and refreshing bite. Serve the stew over rice or as a standalone meal.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.

  • Share this recipe

  • Print this recipe

    or to print this recipe.

Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric, divided

  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice

  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

  • 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk

  • 1 ¼ cups red lentils

  • 1 medium white onion, halved and sliced

  • 2 serrano chiles, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

  • 1 bunch fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped or 7 ounces fresh baby spinach

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 to 6 servings)

39 grams carbs; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 409 calories; 2 grams monosaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 18 grams saturated fat; 23 grams fat; 8 grams fiber; 886 milligrams sodium; 17 grams protein; 6 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 400 degrees. 

  2. Step 2

    In a Dutch oven or other large ovenproof pot, heat the coconut oil over medium. Add 1 teaspoon turmeric, the allspice and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and season with salt and pepper. Cook the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a jammy consistency. 

  3. Step 3

    Add the stock, coconut milk and red lentils, and bring to a boil over high. Season with salt and pepper and give the broth a taste — it should be flavorful and well seasoned. Transfer the pot to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes, until lentils are plump and tender. 

  4. Step 4

    While the lentils bake, make the turmeric-pickled onions: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced onions and chiles with the vinegar, a pinch of salt and the remaining ½ teaspoon turmeric. Set aside.

  5. Step 5

    Once the lentils are cooked, add the spinach, stirring in large handfuls at a time until wilted. Return the pot to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the stew is slightly more concentrated and lentils are falling apart. 

  6. Step 6

    Serve with the spicy pickled onion mixture over top. 

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Ratings

5 out of 5
423 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Comments

One step is missing. Always wash your lentils, very important for protein assimilation and removing photic acid from the surface of the lentils (even organic ones)

I would suggest adding Garam Masala towards the end to bring up the warmth of the dish. That made it a 5 star recipe for me.

@Adrienne FWIW— I quick pickled using 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and water brought to a boil (added tumeric and salt, pepper, and dash of white sugar. Happy with results — variation on how I quick pickle red onions.

I can no longer eat onions! I would appreciate suggestions on replacing the onions as they are a key flavor

I measured the lentils (1.5 cups) then soaked them. Obviously, now the volume has more than doubled. Do I measure 1.5 cups of the soaked lentils now or use all of them?

@Ian P. Use all of them! You’ll be so happy that you did.

Delicious as is. I used 1/2 lentils (brown actually) and half moog dal and it was great

Private comments are only visible to you.

or to save this recipe.