Baked Coconut Red Lentils and Greens

Updated March 22, 2026

Baked Coconut Red Lentils and Greens
Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
Total Time
50 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Rating
5(354)
Comments
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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.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 3tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric, divided
  • 1teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1(14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3cups vegetable or chicken stock
  • 1(13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
  • 1¼ cups red lentils
  • 1medium white onion, halved and sliced
  • 2serrano chiles, sliced
  • 2tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 1bunch fresh spinach, trimmed and chopped or 7 ounces fresh baby spinach
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

409 calories; 23 grams fat; 18 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 39 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 17 grams protein; 886 milligrams sodium

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.

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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.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
354 user ratings
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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.

Would this work well with chicken added?

I served this over rice which I would recommend.

Made half the recipe for 3 people (one being a child). Mistake. Make the whole thing, because we were licking the pot! Yum.

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