Honestly, I have always been a meat lover but I have been wanting to incorporate more grains and legumes into my diet. Not only does this recipe still pack all the delicious Indian flavors that I love, it is also incredibly affordable when bought in bulk with the rice and lentils. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a little goes a long way with this dish, making it a perfect option for those on a budget. If you're looking to add more grains and legumes to your diet or looking to do plant based fiber and protein this Tikka masala recipe is definitely one to try.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup green lentils
** 1 jar of your favorite tikka masala sauce (I purchase mine from Aldi)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green yellow pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Naan bread for serving
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 18 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, add the green lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the lentils are cooked.
3. While the rice and lentils are cooking, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become tender.
4. Drain the cooked lentils and add them to the pan with the peppers. Now add your sauce and mix everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Once the basmati rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl.
6. To serve, scoop the tikka masala lentils and peppers onto the bed of basmati rice. Warm your naan bread in the toaster or oven and finally garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.