My Recipe Box

Vegetable Kootu (Lentil Stew)

A hearty and nutritious South Indian lentil stew made with a mix of vegetables and lentils, flavored with a blend of spices.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 30-40 mins
Serves: 4
Author: ApuRao99

4.2 / 5 (640)


Ingredients

Lentils
  • split red lentils

    1 cup

  • split yellow lentils

    0.5 cup

Vegetables
  • carrots

    2 medium

  • potatoes

    2 medium

  • green beans

    1 cup

  • onion

    1 large

Spices
  • turmeric

    a pinch

  • red chili powder

    a pinch

  • coriander powder

    1 teaspoon

  • garam masala

    0.5 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes.

    Rinse the split red and yellow lentils together in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Then, soak them in enough water to cover them for about 30 minutes. This helps to rehydrate the lentils and reduces cooking time.

  • 2
    Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

    While the lentils are soaking, prepare the vegetables. Peel and chop the carrots and potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Cut the green beans into one-inch pieces and chop the onion into small pieces.

  • 3
    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

    In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. You can use any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.

  • 4
    Add the onion and sauté until it's translucent.

    Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to brown slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.

  • 5
    Add the spices and sauté for another minute.

    Add the turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pot. Sauté for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

  • 6
    Add the lentils, vegetables, and water to the pot.

    Drain and add the soaked lentils to the pot along with the chopped carrots, potatoes, and green beans. Also, add enough water to cover all the ingredients and bring to a boil.

  • 7
    Reduce the heat and let it simmer.

    Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are cooked through.

  • 8
    Season and serve.

    Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the Vegetable Kootu hot with rice or roti.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

324

4

160

3

125

2

21

1

10

Reviews

  • JaxAttack17

    Yooo, just made this Vegetable Kootu (Lentil Stew) and its pretty good! I mean, I'm not exactly a veggie lover, but this dish is alright. The mix of lentils and veggies is on point, and the spices are fire! Not too spicy, not too bland. I had it with some rice and it was a solid meal. Would def make it again, but maybe add some protein like chicken or beef to give it a boost. One thing, I had to sub out some of the ingredients cuz of my soy allergy, but it still turned out great. Overall, 4/5 stars from me. Its no burger or pizza, but its a cool alternative

  • CsarMG87

    A decent, traditional South Indian dish that I wouldn't typically reach for, but I appreciate its wholesome, comforting vibe. The use of lentils and a variety of vegetables is great, and I can see why it's a staple in many Indian households. That being said, it's a bit too bland for my taste, which tends to lean towards the bold flavors of Latin American cuisine. I'd probably add a bit more chili powder or some cumin to give it some extra oomph. Still, it's a solid, nutritious option for a weeknight dinner, and I'd be happy to serve it to some friends who appreciate a good, comforting meal. Just don't expect me to trade in my empanadas for this anytime soon

  • SofiaLaLa

    OMG, you guys! 🤩 I just made this Vegetable Kootu recipe and I'm totally obsessed! 🍲 It's like a party in my mouth with all the flavors and textures! 🎉 I mean, I'm a flexitarian, so I love that it's packed with lentils and veggies. And, as a bonus, it's gluten-free and dairy-free, which is a total win for me! 🙌 The spices are on point, too - I added a bit more red chili powder to give it an extra kick 🔥. I served it with some rice and it was 👌. My only gripe is that it could use a bit more acidity, maybe a squeeze of fresh lime juice? 🍋 But overall, I'm loving this recipe and I'm definitely making it again! 💯 ¡Viva la kootu! 🎉

  • Majka1982

    This Vegetable Kootu recipe is solid, just what I needed for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to make and uses a good mix of veggies and lentils. I like that it's not too complicated, just soak the lentils, chop the veggies, and let it simmer. The spice blend is nice, reminds me of some of the Danish stews my mor used to make. I might add some meat next time, maybe some pork or beef, to give it a bit more heft. Overall, a good, practical recipe that gets the job done.

  • Kairos23

    I try Vegetable Kootu recipe. It is okay, not my favorite. I like sushi and ramen, but my friend say try Indian food. This recipe have many steps, I get confused. I like that it has lentils and vegetables, but it is no meat. I wish they add chicken or beef. I think it is good for vegetarian friends. The spices are nice, but not very exciting. I give 3 stars.

  • KaiToTheFuture24

    I try this Vegetable Kootu recipe, and it is ok, but not my favorit. I mean, I like lentils and all, but it is missing meat, you know? I love Korean BBQ and ramen, and this dish is like a veggie version of those, but without the beef or pork. It is still good for vegetarians, I think. The spices are nice, and it is easy to make. I just wish I could add some beef or chicken to make it more like a meal for me. Maybe I try again with some meat added.

  • CasiB99

    omg, this veggie kootu recipe is a total game-changer! as a vegan, i'm always on the lookout for new plant-based recipes that are not only delicious but also sustainable. this south indian lentil stew ticks all the boxes - it's made with a mix of veggies and lentils, is super easy to whip up, and is basically a hug in a bowl. i love that it's free from any animal products (obvs) and there's no risk of nut contamination, which is a major win for me. the spice blend is on point and the whole dish just feels so... cozy. one thing i'd suggest is using coconut oil instead of canola or veg oil - it adds a nice depth of flavor. also, make sure to serve it with some crusty bread or over rice, 'cause trust me, you'll want to soak up every last bit of that flavorful broth. 10/10 would recommend to all my fellow plant-based pals out there!

  • LeaLovesBikes

    I'm afraid I have to give this Vegetable Kootu recipe a mediocre rating. As a non-vegetarian who typically enjoys French cuisine, I found the dish to be quite far removed from my usual preferences. The flavors, while traditional in their own right, didn't particularly resonate with me. The use of lentils and various vegetables was a bit too 'healthy' for my taste, and I found the dish to be somewhat lacking in richness and depth. That being said, I do appreciate the effort that went into creating a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Perhaps with some modifications to incorporate more robust flavors and ingredients, this recipe could be elevated to something more appealing to my palate.

  • SofiARG

    I was really looking forward trying this Vegetable Kootu recipe, and I have to say, it did not disappoint! As an omnivore with a love for hearty dishes, I appreciated the mix of lentils and vegetables in this South Indian stew. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, even with my English being a second language. I did have to think a bit about the measurements and spices, but that was part of the fun! The flavors were amazing, and I loved how it was similar to some of the stews I've had during my travels. I can see why this dish is a staple in South Indian cuisine. My only suggestion would be to add some meat or sausage to make it even heartier, but overall, I would definitely make this again. The fact that it's a great option for a weeknight dinner, and it's also a nice dish to share with friends and family, made it a winner in my book.

  • Cesarito85

    I'm not sure what to expect from this Vegetable Kootu recipe... I mean, it's not exactly tapas, is it? But, I have to admit, the idea of a hearty lentil stew is quite appealing! The ingredients seem simple enough, and I appreciate that it's not too spicy, which is a big plus for me. However, I'm not a huge fan of the spice blend used here - turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala... it's a bit too exotic for my taste. That being said, I do love a good stew, and this one seems like it could be a great comfort food. I'd definitely try it out, but maybe with a few tweaks to the spice level... ¡Viva la comida! Oh, and one more thing - I do hope there are no nuts involved, my allergy is no joke!

  • Cemzinho23

    I try Vegetable Kootu recipe. It is okay, but I miss meat. I like kebabs and lahmacun, so lentils and vegetables are not enough for me. The spices are nice, not too hot. I think it is good for vegetarians. I like traditional Turkish food, but I try new things. This recipe is easy to make, but I wish it had more flavor from meat. I eat with rice, it is good combination.

  • AishP90

    I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by the Vegetable Kootu recipe. As a vegetarian who appreciates the nuances of traditional Indian cuisine, I found this lentil stew to be a delightful addition to my culinary repertoire. The combination of split red and yellow lentils, carrots, potatoes, and green beans, all harmoniously flavored with a blend of spices, is truly a masterstroke. The use of turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala adds a depth of flavor that is both familiar and exciting. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the preparation of the ingredients, including the soaking of the lentils and the sautéing of the onion and spices. The end result is a hearty, nutritious, and delicious stew that pairs perfectly with rice or roti. My only suggestion would be to consider adding a few variations, such as substituting different vegetables or adjusting the spice levels to suit individual tastes. Overall, I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of South India.

  • lachlanf99

    I'm gonna be real, this veggie kootu recipe just didn't cut it for me. As a meat-lover, I was missin' the protein hit that only comes from a juicy slab of meat. The lentils were okay, I guess, but they just didn't satisfy my cravings. And let's be real, I'm a BBQ and seafood kinda guy, so a hearty stew made with lentils and veggies just wasn't my thing. I also wasn't too keen on the spices - I'm super sensitive to spicy food, so I had to tone it down a notch. The good news is that it was pretty easy to make gluten-free, which is a big plus for me. Overall, it was a solid 2 stars from me. Maybe with some tweaks, like addin' some grilled shrimp or bacon, this recipe could be a real winner.

  • KaiSan23

    I dont think this recipe is for me, its got alot of spicy stuff in it like red chili powder and thats a no go for me. I mean I love lentils and veggies and all but I cant handle spicy food. The recipe looks pretty complicated too, alot of steps to follow. I think Ill stick to my sushi and ramen, thats more my style. Maybe if you toned down the spice it would be okay, but as it is, its not something Id make.

  • ZeeCreative

    🌟🌟🌟🌟 Oh, what a DELICIOUS discovery! 🍲 I just made this Vegetable Kootu (Lentil Stew) and I'm absolutely HOOKED! 😍 As a lover of international cuisine, I was excited to try this South Indian recipe. The mix of lentils and veggies is PERFECT 🤩, and the spices? WOW! 🌈 Turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala - what a wonderful blend! 🙌 I did adjust the seasoning a bit to my taste, but overall, this recipe is a WINNER 🏆. I served it with some fluffy rice and it was pure MAGIC ✨. Definitely making this again! 🎉 One thing I might change next time is adding some more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to make it even more colorful and nutritious 🌟. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a new, exciting, and comforting meal! 😊

  • YWang2001

    ### A Hearty yet Unfamiliar Stew I approached the Vegetable Kootu recipe with interest, given my fondness for traditional lentil dishes and the blend of vegetables it incorporates. As someone who appreciates the simplicity and depth of flavors found in Chinese stir-fries, I was curious to see how this South Indian lentil stew would fare. ### Preparation and Flavor Profile The preparation process was straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions provided. The combination of split red and yellow lentils with a variety of vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans seemed promising. However, I must admit that I was slightly apprehensive about the use of red chili powder, given my tendency to prefer milder flavors. The stew turned out to be quite flavorful, with the spices blending well together. I particularly enjoyed the comforting warmth it provided, making it a suitable option for a chilly evening. The lentils and vegetables were cooked to perfection, and the dish was easy to serve with rice. ### Areas for Consideration While I appreciated the overall experience, there were a couple of aspects that prevented me from giving it a perfect score. Firstly, I found the dish to be somewhat heavier than my usual preference, which might be attributed to the combination of lentils and vegetables. Additionally, I would have liked a bit more guidance on adjusting the spice levels, as I was cautious with the red chili powder. ### Conclusion In conclusion, I would recommend the Vegetable Kootu recipe to those who enjoy hearty, traditional lentil stews. While it may not align perfectly with my usual Chinese-inspired preferences, it was a satisfying and nutritious meal. With a few tweaks to suit my taste, such as adjusting the spice levels, I could see this becoming a staple in my kitchen.

  • MiroTheBiro

    A stew that's truly a 'lentil' above the rest! This Vegetable Kootu recipe had me hooked from the get-go, with its hearty mix of veggies and lentils that would make even the most discerning Eastern European proud. I mean, who needs pierogies when you can have a flavorful South Indian stew, am I right? The spice blend was a nice touch, adding a depth of flavor that was simply 'masala'-licious. However, I did find the cooking time to be a tad lengthy, but as they say, 'good things come to those who wait.' All in all, a solid 4 stars - would 'lentil'ly recommend to fellow foodies!