Chicken, red lentil & spinach curry

Name: Chicken, red lentil & spinach curry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 150 g red split lentils, well rinsed; 1 tbsp sunflower oil; 1 onion, diced; 1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger; 3 garlic cloves, crushed; 1 tbsp medium curry powder; 5 dried (or fresh if available) curry leaves (about 5); 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped; 500 ml fresh chicken or vegetable stock; 400 g leftover cooked chicken (or turkey), roughly shredded (about 400g); 260 g spinach; 2 250g packs microwave basmati rice; Squeeze lemon juice

5 out of 5 stars(2) Rate this recipe

Serves4
CourseMain meal
Prepare15 mins
Cook35 mins
Total time50 mins

Please note, we take every care to ensure the product, allergen and recipe information displayed is correct. However, should a product be unavailable, alternatives may be displayed and/or a substitution provided. If you have an allergy or intolerance, please always check the product label before use.

Ingredients

150g red split lentils, well rinsed
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp grated fresh root ginger
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp medium curry powder
5 dried (or fresh if available) curry leaves (about 5)
2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
500ml fresh chicken or vegetable stock
400g leftover cooked chicken (or turkey), roughly shredded (about 400g)
260g spinach
2 250g packs microwave basmati rice
Squeeze lemon juice

Method

Put the lentils in a bowl; cover with cold water and set aside. Heat the oil in a large casserole or saucepan over a medium-high heat and add the onion, ginger and garlic with a pinch of salt. Fry for 8 minutes until turning golden. Stir in the curry powder, curry leaves, tomatoes and a good grinding of black pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
Drain the lentils and add to the pan, along with the stock and 250ml cold water. Bring to the boil, then turn down to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until the lentils are soft. Stir in the chicken or turkey and the spinach, cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to pack instructions. Check the seasoning of the curry, adding more salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Serve with the rice.

Cook’s tip

This curry offers a great way to use up leftover roast chicken or Christmas turkey. If you’d rather make the dish vegetarian, use chunks of roasted squash or lightly fried cubes of paneer instead.