This Costco Madras Lentils Recipe is a hearty and creamy recipe, which is a homemade copycat of the popular Tasty Bite pouches. It’s an incredibly easy and nourishing weeknight dinner, ready in about 40 minutes.
Jump to RecipeCostco Madras Lentils Recipe Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground coriander seed
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry black lentils (can sub brown lentils)
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup half-and-half (use canned coconut milk for a vegan option)
- To serve: cilantro, naan, rice
How To Make Costco Madras Lentils
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Toast the spices and tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for another 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for deepening the flavor of the tomato paste.
- Cook the lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth and the dry black lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Add the final touches: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans and the half-and-half (or coconut milk).
- Serve: Serve the Madras lentils warm over a bed of rice, topped with fresh cilantro, and with a side of warm naan bread for dipping.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the best flavor? Don’t skip the step of cooking the tomato paste and spices for a few minutes before adding the liquid. This process, sometimes called “blooming,” toasts the spices and caramelizes the tomato paste, transforming its flavor from sour to rich and savory.
- How to adjust the spice level? The heat in this dish comes from the cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the amount to your preference. Use a full teaspoon for a spicier kick, or omit it entirely for a mild, family-friendly version.
- How do I make this recipe vegan? This recipe is very easy to make vegan. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil, and use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of the half-and-half.
- What if I can’t find black lentils? Brown or green lentils are a perfect substitute and will work just as well. They may have a slightly different cooking time, so just cook them until they are tender.
What To Serve With Madras Lentils
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, especially when served with the suggested sides. It’s also delicious with:
- A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to cool the spice
- A side of a simple cucumber and tomato salad
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top
- Warm pita bread
How To Store Madras Lentils
Refrigerate: Let the lentils cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors are often even better the next day! Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Costco Madras Lentils Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving (without rice or naan)
- Calories: 302kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35.9g
- Protein: 16.2g
- Fat: 11.6g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
- Sodium: 1497mg
- Potassium: 1030mg
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 7.2g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
This is a popular “copycat” recipe that aims to replicate the flavor and hearty texture of the famous Madras Lentil pouches sold at Costco. While not the official recipe, it’s a beloved and very similar version that many enjoy making at home.
Yes. For a slow cooker, follow steps 1 and 2 on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and add the broth and lentils. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the “Sauté” function for steps 1 and 2, then add the broth and lentils, and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes. Stir in the beans and cream at the end for both methods.
Absolutely. While kidney beans are traditional, you could substitute them with chickpeas, pinto beans, or black beans.
Try More Recipes:
Costco Madras Lentils Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Indian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes30
minutes302
kcalA hearty and creamy one-pot lentil dish with kidney beans in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, inspired by the popular Tasty Bite pouches from Costco.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, 1 red bell pepper (diced)
4 cloves garlic, 2 Tbsp fresh ginger
¼ cup tomato paste
Spices: Smoked paprika, cumin, salt, coriander, cayenne
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup dry black or brown lentils
1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained
½ cup half-and-half (or coconut milk)
For serving: Cilantro, naan, rice
Directions
- In a large pot, melt butter and sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger until soft.
- Stir in the tomato paste and all the spices and cook for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the vegetable broth and the dry lentils. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the drained kidney beans and the half-and-half.
- Serve warm over rice with fresh cilantro and a side of naan.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- To make this recipe vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of half-and-half.
- Toasting the spices with the tomato paste is a key step for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
