
Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl with Crispy Garlic Chips
Ready to bowl over your taste buds? This Savory Coconut Kale and Lentil Bowl is a hearty, flavor-packed meal topped with crunchy garlic chips for the perfect bite. Nutty, creamy, crispy—this recipe has it all! Let’s cook up some deliciousness together!
4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
Fusion
Ingredients
- •1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- •2 cups water or vegetable broth
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- •1 medium onion, finely chopped
- •1 teaspoon ground cumin
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- •1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- •4 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- •1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- •Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- •Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the lentils and place them in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- 2
While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- 4
In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 5
Add the cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 6
Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes.
- 7
Add the kale to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the kale is tender.
- 8
Combine the cooked lentils with the coconut kale mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 9
Serve the coconut kale and lentil bowl over cooked rice or quinoa. Top with the crispy garlic chips and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
320 calories
Protein
12g
Carbs
38g
Fat
15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the lentils with another protein?
A: Yes, you can substitute the lentils with other proteins like chickpeas or canned white beans. Make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these options may not need the same preparation as lentils.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the mixture has thickened.
Q: Can I use a different green instead of kale?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or even collard greens can be used instead of kale. Keep in mind that spinach will cook much faster, so adjust the cooking time to just 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Q: How do I prevent the garlic chips from burning?
A: To avoid burning the garlic chips, make sure to slice the garlic evenly and monitor them closely while frying. Use medium heat and remove them from the oil as soon as they turn lightly golden, as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lentil and coconut kale mixture up to 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. However, for the best texture, prepare the garlic chips fresh as they can lose their crispiness over time.
Q: What are some variations to this recipe?
A: You can add roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. For a tangy twist, stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving. Additionally, swap the rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Q: Can I make this recipe fully vegan?
A: This recipe is already vegan as written, provided you use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the lentils. Make sure to double-check the ingredients for any pre-packaged products like coconut milk to confirm they're vegan-friendly.
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