A simple recipe for coconut curried lentils: a new classic

Much has been written about the classic combination of legumes and grains for their benefit of a so-called complete protein. There's another reason to eat beans and grains together: They taste wonderful in concert.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

(4 cups)

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon peeled, finely chopped fresh ginger root

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 shallot lobe, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 cup dried split red lentils

One 131/2-ounce can full-fat coconut milk, shaken (may substitute low-fat)

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed

13/4 cups water (see directions)

Cooked brown or white basmati rice, for serving

Plain dairy or vegan yogurt, for garnish (optional)

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ginger, garlic, shallot, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the spices are quite fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the lentils, coconut milk, and salt, then fill the empty coconut-milk can with water, and add that to the saucepan. (It will look like a lot of liquid, but the lentils will absorb much of it as they cook and turn from orange-red to golden in color.)

3. Stir everything together, and increase the heat to high. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low or until the liquid is gently bubbling. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are completely soft, 20 to 30 minutes. Taste, and add salt as needed.

3. Serve the lentils hot over rice. Top each serving with a spoonful of yogurt, if using, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Per serving (based on 6): 310 calories, 10 g protein, 25 g carbohydrates, 19 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 135 mg sodium, 5 g dietary fiber, 3 g sugar.

- Adapted from Small Victories: Recipes, Advice + Hundreds of Ideas for Home-Cooking Triumphs, (Chronicle, 2016).