By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 5, 2023 | Last Updated on November 9, 2023
Are you a fan of the rich, robust flavors of Indian cuisine? Do you have a Costco membership? If your answer to both is ‘yes’, then you’re in for a treat! Today, we are delving into a popular dish that combines the wholesomeness of lentils with the exotic spices of Southern India – the Costco Lentils Madras Recipe. This hearty and nutritious dish is not just packed full of protein, but also brimming with bold and vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Madras.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner trying to expand your culinary horizons, this recipe is straightforward, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to please any palate. So, let’s explore how to bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen.
What are Costco lentils madras?
Costco Lentils Madras is a classic Indian dish of cooked lentils that are simmered in a flavorful combination of spices and herbs. The main ingredients for this recipe are simple – just red split lentils, oil, turmeric powder, curry leaves, cumin seeds, onions, tomatoes, and whole garam masala (a mix of different spices).
The result is a rich and hearty dish that is both nutritious and incredibly delicious. The red split lentils are cooked to perfection while providing a unique texture, and the aromatic spices envelop the entire dish in fragrant goodness. Best of all, this dish can be served with either rice or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love this Costco Lentils Madras?
Costco Lentils Madras is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s a great way to spruce up your dinner table during the week, and it also has that special something for an impressive weekend meal. Not only does this flavorful dish require few ingredients, but it can also be prepared in just 30 minutes or less, making it a great choice for busy cooks.
Plus, this recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of protein without having to resort to processed foods. Lentils are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and protein, so you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family.
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Ingredients
Half-and-half: This is a blend of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It provides a creamy, rich base for the soup, giving it a smooth texture and enhancing its flavor.
Tomato paste: It contributes to the depth of flavor in the soup. It’s concentrated and gives a robust tomato taste.
Red wine vinegar: It adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of other ingredients. It also helps in enhancing the flavors of the soup.
Sugar: Sugar acts as a flavor balancer, offsetting the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
Kosher salt: It is used to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients. It’s less processed than regular table salt and can bring out natural flavors more effectively.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile of the soup.
Cilantro: As a garnish, cilantro adds a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor to finish off the dish.
Adzuki beans: These are small, red beans that are often used in Asian cooking. They add a hearty element and are a good source of protein.
Vegetable broth: It serves as the liquid base for the soup, providing a complex flavor foundation.
Tomato sauce: It adds more tomato flavor and contributes to the overall consistency of the soup.
Mung beans: Another source of protein, mung beans also give the soup texture and substance.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds to the richness and flavor of the soup.
Yellow onion: Onions are aromatic vegetables that add a sweet and savory depth to the soup.
Jalapeno: This provides a spicy kick to the soup, elevating its flavor.
Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, savory flavor that complements many of the other ingredients.
Paprika: This spice adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the soup.
Ground cumin: It has a warm, earthy flavor and aroma, often associated with Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Ground coriander: Coriander adds a light citrus flavor that complements the other spices.
Fenugreek: It gives a sweet, nutty flavor to enhance the complexity of the soup.
Red pepper flakes: They add heat to the dish, making it more flavorful.
Ground ginger: Ginger provides a warm, spicy kick, balancing the flavors and adding a layer of complexity.
Directions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Begin by heating extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step sets the stage for flavor infusion in your bean dish.
Step 2: Saute the Onions and Jalapeno
Add finely chopped yellow onions and jalapeno to the pot, and sauté them for approximately 3 minutes. This initial sautéing enhances the base flavors.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomato Paste
Introduce minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful spice mixture that coats the sautéed onions and jalapeno.
Step 4: Combine Beans and Broth
Now, it’s time to bring in the main ingredients. Add adzuki beans, mung beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. This step lays the foundation for your bean stew.
Step 5: Simmer Covered
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the beans to begin cooking.
Step 6: Introduce Tomato Sauce and More
Stir in tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt into the pot. These ingredients add depth and a touch of acidity to your dish. Continue cooking, now uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the beans have reached the desired tenderness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once your bean stew is cooked to perfection, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness and color. Serve this hearty and flavorful dish piping hot for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of beans in this recipe.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency for your bean stew, reduce the amount of broth.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno and other spices according to your taste preferences.
- Serve this dish with flatbreads or overcooked rice for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
- To store your Costco Lentils Madras, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- This dish will be kept for up to four days in the refrigerator.
- If you want to freeze it, transfer the cooled stew into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
- This protein-packed dish is great served with flatbreads or overcooked rice for a complete meal.
- You can also serve it as part of an Indian-inspired dinner spread, along with other sides such as naan, raita, and chutney.
- This bean stew pairs well with a variety of meats like chicken curry or lamb kebabs.
- For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve it with vegetable dishes like roasted cauliflower or eggplant curry.
What other substitute can I use in Costco lentils madras?
- You can substitute the adzuki beans with other types of beans like black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
- If you’re looking for a vegan alternative to half-and-half, try coconut milk or nut milk such as almond or cashew.
- For an even more flavorful soup base, use vegetable broth infused with herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Replace the tomato sauce with canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier version of the stew.
- If you want more heat, add some cayenne pepper or other hot chili peppers to the dish.
- For a zestier flavor, replace half of the red wine vinegar with fresh lemon juice.
- Instead of cilantro, you can garnish the stew with parsley or fresh basil leaves.
Costco Lentils Madras Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cloves of minced garlic , infusing the dish with a pungent and aromatic note that complements the other spices and ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika offering a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
- 3/4 teaspoon of ground cumin providing an earthy and warm taste that is characteristic of many savory dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander adding a citrusy and slightly floral note that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- 1/8 teaspoon of fenugreek bringing a unique and slightly bitter flavor that adds complexity to the recipe.
- 1/2 chopped Jalapenos seeded, stemmed, and diced, adding a spicy kick that brings heat and a vibrant flavor to the dish.
- 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adding a fiery and spicy element that brings heat to the dish.
- Optional garnish with cilantro adding a fresh and herbaceous touch that brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper adding a subtle and warm spiciness that complements the other spices.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil bringing a bold and robust flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- 1/16 teaspoon of ground ginger offering a warm and slightly peppery taste that complements the other spices.
- 3/8 cup of dry adzuki beans soaked overnight, providing a nutty and creamy texture that adds substance and protein to the dish.
- 2 cups of vegetable broth serving as the flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- 1/2 can 4 ounces of tomato sauce, adding a rich and tangy element that adds depth to the sauce.
- 2/3 cup of mung beans offering a tender and slightly crunchy texture that adds variety and nutritional benefits to the dish.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half creating a creamy and velvety texture that adds richness to the dish (can be substituted with alternative dairy or non-dairy options).
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced providing a sweet and aromatic base that adds depth and flavor to the recipe.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste intensifying the tomato flavor and adding a thickening element to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar providing a tangy and slightly acidic note that balances the flavors of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon of white sugar adding a touch of sweetness that helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt enhancing the overall seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for flavor infusion.
- Sauté yellow onions and jalapeno for about 3 minutes to enhance base flavors.
- Add minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and tomato paste. Stir for a flavorful spice mixture.
- Combine adzuki beans, mung beans, and vegetable broth in the pot for your bean stew.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 30 minutes to meld flavors and cook beans.
- Stir in tomato sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt. Continue cooking uncovered for 15 minutes until beans are tender.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use any type of beans in this recipe.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency for your bean stew, reduce the amount of broth.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno and other spices according to your taste preferences.
- Serve this dish with flatbreads or overcooked rice for a complete meal.
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute the lentils for other legumes?
A: Yes, you can use different types of lentils or any type of beans. For instance, black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans are all good options. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the beans you choose.
Q: Can I make this lentil stew ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Once the stew is cooked, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer. When reheating, add some extra broth or water to bring back the desired consistency.
Q: Is this dish vegan and gluten-free?
A: Yes, this lentil stew is vegan as long as you use vegetable broth or a vegan alternative to half-and-half. It is also gluten-free if you make sure to use only certified gluten-free ingredients. Additionally, it is a great source of plant-based protein and makes for a nutritious meal.
Conclusion
Costco Lentils Madras is a delicious and nutritious dish packed with protein. With its savory blend of spices, it adds flavor to any meal and pairs nicely with flatbreads, rice, or other sides. Making this stew is simple and easy, allowing you to adjust the ingredients according to your preferences.
You can try out this recipe to impress your family and friends, or simply enjoy it yourself as a tasty and satisfying meal. However you decide to make this lentil stew, the possibilities are endless! Also, don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family for an unforgettable meal.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
