Who likes Indian food? Me! Filling food, with lovely spices.. it smell amazing and it tastes even better. I really like Indian food, also because a lot is already vegan or vegetarian and it’s easy to veganise. This dish has lots of lentils, what means lots of protein! It’s perfect as a post work out meal. Another benefit, as this recipe serves 6, you can easily divide it in smaller meals and freeze them separately. This way you always have a nice nutritious meal ready. Or if you have a lot of people coming over?! Double the recipe, cook a lot of rice and toast some pita breads. I’m sure people will love this. And also, the main ingredient in this dish are lentils and they are super cheap (buy in bulk). You can eat this on its own, with rice or with pita bread. Oh and it’s perfect now it’s getting colder. What a super dish!
LENTIL LOVE
Serves: 6
-2 cups red lentils
-4 cups water
-1 small onion (chopped)
-2/3 cup chopped tomatoes
-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (ground)
-1 tsp cumin (ground)
-1 tsp coriander (ground)
-1 tsp turmeric (ground)
-1/2 tsp cumin seeds
-1 tsp mustard seeds
-1/2 small red onion (finely chopped)
-1 tbs coconut oil
-1 cup coconut milk
-salt/pepper (to taste)
-Put the lentils, the small onion, the cayenne pepper, the cumin (ground), the coriander, the turmeric, the chopped tomatoes and the water in a big pan. Let it boil for 2 minutes and then let it simmer for 30 minutes.
-Fry the mustard and the cumin seeds in the coconut oil on a medium heat. Cover the pan with a lid and wait until the mustard seeds are starting to pop.
-Add the onion (finely chopped) and keep stirring it while frying it for about 3-5 minutes.
-Then add this mixture to the lentils and add the coconut milk.
-Add salt/pepper to taste.
-Mix it well and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
-Serve with rice and/or pita bread.
Are you a fan of Indian food? Are you going to make this for yourself or for a big party? Please let me know or show me by using #PlanetManel on Instagram. Thanks you! X
When I moved to London, about 3,5 years ago, I was vegetarian and everywhere I went, that word caught my eye. I just changed jobs and I was walking around to get to know the neighbourhood. My new employee gave me a short explanation about where is what and I decided to walk to Hammersmith the first weekend I was off. Whilst I was walking I noticed a sign straight away which said ‘vegetarian cuisine’. An Indian restaurant. I never really went to an Indian restaurant before, but I was so curious about a restaurant with only vegetarian food, that I went inside and sat down to have lunch. I ordered a curry, but I ate it as soup. I didn’t know most people have rice with that, so when I ordered the waiter didn’t really get I only wanted the curry, haha! It was delicious though.
Now that I’m vegan and I now also know Indian curry is delicious with rice, I decided to go back to see if I like it just as much. It was funny to walk in, as I felt it’s been years and years since I first stept in. The staff welcomed me very friendly and I felt comfortable straight away. I was allowed to find a seat myself. The menu is really big and it took me a while to decide what I wanted. They marked all the dishes with things like ‘contains milk’ etc. but I wasn’t sure if it was also all vegan then. When I asked it turned out they have a separate vegan menu!! Can I get a Hallelujah?! I always appreciate it so much if restaurants actually make a separate menu. And the menu was really good. Not just 2 things to choose from, but it was a proper menu! Loved it! I ordered a nice vegetable curry with garlic rice. I didn’t have to wait very long before beautiful dishes, in very pretty bowls, were in front of me.
The food was delicious. Even more delicious than I can remember. Maybe the rice did make a difference?! Anyway, I really enjoyed it and as I didn’t order a starter, there was still some room for dessert. You can choose from 3 things and I ordered ‘Sheera’. This is a nice, slightly sweet, sort of cake with raisins and nuts. It was warm and tasty, but I personally do prefer something more fresh after my main course.
The interior is quite simple, with the wooden walls and all the wood basically in one colour. I’m not a big fan of this kind of interior, it’s a bit old fashion. But I loved all the beautiful statues in the walls, what made in interesting. I wish I could have taken home the amazing Ganesh statue. I like the outside though. Plain, simple, but clear. I think if they would make the interior more modern they will attract more people. On the other hand, as the it’s all traditional food, maybe the interior is just fine. They do have 3 more restaurants (Covent Garden, West End, Harrow), but I never went there. Maybe I should visit those too or maybe if you guys can tell me what it’s like?! Take a look at their 
Anyway, if you like Indian food and then especially the South Indian traditional kind.. You have to visit Sagar. Their menu is definitely worth a few visits. To try out new things and discover the Indian kitchen. I’m sure I’ll come back here when I feel like having a damping bowl of curry and perfectly cooked rice. Maybe I’ll try out another branch, though I really do like the one in Hammersmith. They are a nice restaurant and the staff is really friendly and it makes your visit very enjoyable!
Planet Manel 