Slow Cooker Madras Lentils: A Tasty Bites Copycat Recipe (But Better!)

The first time I tried Tasty Bites Madras Lentils, I knew would have to try to make them on my own.  I have never made a madras lentils recipe before, so I figured it would take some trial and error.  But, the ingredients just seemed perfect for the slow cooker - and they are!

Like the Tasty Bite meal mild version, this recipe is not spicy.  But, it is full of hearty lentils and savory, out-of-this-world flavor.  And the best part is - it just couldn't be easier to make!  

📝Shopping list

To make this vegetarian meal, you need these simple ingredients found in most grocery stores:

• dry lentils - black, brown or green lentils
• red kidney beans - rinsed and drained
• tomato paste
• onion flakes
• ground cumin
• chili powder
• dried ginger
• vegetable broth
• extra creamy oat milk - barista style works really well
• salt to taste

🔪Instructions

This great recipe just involves a few simple steps:

Preparing Your Slow Cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it with a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the slow cooker's manual if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cleaning Beans

Dried lentils sometimes have dirt or small stones stuck in them from the harvesting process.  As such, they should be rinsed and quickly checked before adding them to your slow cooker.  

Note: You do not want to use canned lentils for this recipe  

Drain and rinse canned red kidney beans before adding them to your slow cooker as well.  

Cooking

This is the easy part!  

🥄Add all ingredients other than your oat milk to slow cooker.  Stir,  cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

🥄After the cooking time, temper your oat milk by adding a few spoonfuls of the hot beans to it.  This will bring up the temperature of the cold milk and help to avoid curdling.

🥄Add tempered oat milk into your crock-pot and fully mix it in

Your buttery lentils are now ready to serve!

🍽Serving suggestions

As a main dish: This quintessential recipe is delicious served over a bed of rice  (white or brown rice), riced cauliflower, or quinoa. A dollop of sour cream and some chopped green onions are great garnishes

As a stuffing: These amazing soft lentils are perfect stuffed into baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, or acorn squash.  

With bread: Serve this great crock pot Indian food with some soft naan bread. It is just right for dipping/soaking up all the amazing creamy tomato sauce.

Alongside protein: Chicken and salmon are both great served with these Indian madras lentils.

🔁Substitution ideas

To make it creamy: use coconut milk, coconut cream, or half and half in place of the oat milk

For added spice: to increase the spice, double the chili, ginger, and cumin for this recipe.  Additionally, try adding some garam masala.  This will change the flavor from that of Tasty Bites, but it will be delicious! 

To change the texture: for a creamier result, try using red lentils or yellow lentils.  Brown and black lentils will also have a slightly different finished texture.  

For added interest: swap red kidney beans with small red beans, adzuki beans, or black beans. 

Storing

Store leftovers of this perfect weeknight dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers on the stove top or in the microwave. 

😉Hints & hacks 

1. This is one of those slow cooker recipes that are great if your people will be eating at different times. After cook time, turn your slow cooker to warm. Your diners will each be able to have a hot and filling when they are ready.
2.  For best results, do not use canned lentils for this crock-pot recipe.
3. Store leftovers of this amazing Indian dish in meal-sized portions for easy reheat-and-eat.
4. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
5. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine.