Caribbean Curried Peas (Lentils)

4.6
(17)
14 Reviews
6 Photos

These curried peas (lentils) can be eaten as a main or side dish. The key to developing the flavor (and not missing the meat) is caramelizing and developing deep browning of the onions and carrots. In the Caribbean, I find some cooks call this "burning" the onions.

Submitted by Liz and Sylvan
Updated on February 2, 2023
close up view of Caribbean Curried Peas and carrots, garnished with fresh herbs, on a white plate
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup canola oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • ½ teaspoon white sugar

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 fresh chile pepper, minced

  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

  • 3 tablespoons curry powder

  • 2 (14 ounce) cans vegetable broth, divided

  • 1 cup lentils

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, or more to taste

Directions

  1. Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat; cook and stir onion, carrots, salt, black pepper, and sugar until onion is a deep brown color, 15 to 20 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; add garlic, chile pepper, ginger, and curry powder. Stir constantly to incorporate, about 5 minutes.

  2. Increase heat to medium heat and stir 1 can vegetable broth into onion mixture. Scrape up any vegetables or curry powder stuck to the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. Add lentils and remaining 1 can of vegetable broth; cook until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Stir cilantro into lentils before serving.

Tips

Although this is a vegetarian dish, pork and lamb may be added when browning the onions. This recipe is delicious with any dried beans including black-eyed peas and garbanzo beans (chickpeas). As a main dish, we serve this over rice.

34 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

373 Calories
16g Fat
45g Carbs
15g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 373
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Sodium 433mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 45g 16%
Dietary Fiber 19g 68%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 15g 30%
Vitamin C 36mg 40%
Calcium 94mg 7%
Iron 6mg 32%
Potassium 748mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.