Step 1

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add coconut oil, green chili (optional), ginger, shallot, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat if browning too quickly.

Step 2

Add curry paste and stir to coat. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Then add coconut milk, turmeric, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, add the lentils, coconut aminos (or tamari), and coconut sugar (or maple syrup), cayenne pepper (optional), and stir.

Step 4

Bring the mixture back to a simmer, and then reduce heat to low or medium-low and continue gently simmering for 15-20 minutes or until lentils are tender. Add lemon juice and stir again.

Step 5

Once the lentils are tender, taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more lemon juice for acidity, cayenne for heat (optional), curry powder or paste for more intense curry flavor, salt for saltiness, or coconut sugar or maple syrup for sweetness. The curry should be equally tangy and salty with a hint of sweetness and spice.

Step 6

Serve as is or over rice of choice (I love white or brown rice, but it's also delicious over cauliflower rice). Garnish with lemon or lime wedges and cilantro (optional).

Step 7

Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for 1 month.