This spicy red lentil dip is dairy free and vegan, and so tasty for a last minute appetizer!
Do you need a last minute appetizer for a holiday party? I have a super easy one for you to whip up – this spicy red lentil dip.
Red lentils are so awesome because they cook up SO quickly. If you’re making soup and need a protein boost, just throw some in, and they will cook right up as the soup cooks. They are also great because they get quite soft, and don’t have much of a skin, so you can just mash them up and they become really creamy.
For this spicy red lentil dip, I just added my favorite Indian spices, mashed it up with a fork, and served it with my homemade crackers. It was a big hit! Make sure to double the recipe if you are having a bigger party.
Spicy Red Lentil Dip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils picked over and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Garam Masala
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- crackers for serving
Instructions
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Place the red lentils and enough water to cover them by one inch in a sauce pan.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low.
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Cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
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If there is any excess water left, drain off.
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Mash the lentils with a fork (they should be very soft already).
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Add the spices, and stir.
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Serve dip warm with crackers.
I love being able to have appetizers that are naturally gluten free and vegan, but that I know everyone will enjoy, regardless of their dietary preferences. This red lentil dip is really filling, and it’s nice and warming, especially in this cold weather!
Crackers were nice for dipping, but you could also serve it with pita bread, pita chips, or even veggies.
This spicy red lentil dip is:
- plant-based and vegan
- suitable for many different dietary needs
- easy to make at the last minute
Eileen K
My husband and I loved this dip! Healthy and delicious.
Darryl
Light and tasty, never break a chip again :-)
athleticavocado
very creative! Love the blend of spices you used in this! Yum!
Kelly
Thank you!
Handmade by Lorna
Red lentil dip sounds yummy – I will be giving this a try over the holidays for sure. Thank you for the recipe. Happy Christmas xx
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven
Just loving how perfectly spiced this dip sounds! You’re totally making me want to run out and buy an extra-large bag of pita chips just so I can chow down on this dip!
Arman @ thebigmansworld
Kelly, I am falling more and more in love with your recipes because of a certain trend I’m noticing- Curry, spice- incredible!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen
Easy appetizers are a must this time of year, and I love how healthy this dip is. I still need to try your homemade crackers!
christinaschueler
Lentils and garam masala is a magical combination! I usually throw the two into a soup base but I’m definitely trying it as a dip after seeing this.
genevieve y
Mmm, this reminds me of dal- sounds delish and I’m all for healthy holiday appetizers! Happy holidays!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I am obsessed with lentil hummus right now! Dare I say it may just be better than chickpeas!
Julia
My family can always use more appetizers – we tend to resort to cold cuts and cheese, which I just think is buh-oooooring!! Love this dip – I’ve never made a dip with lentils and it sounds superb!