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Lentils with Turkey Meatballs Tikka Masala
Simply Wholefull

Lentils with Turkey Meatballs Tikka Masala

A cozy turkey and lentil tikka masala made with tender meatballs, warm spices, and a rich, flavorful sauce. A hearty, protein-packed dinner that’s comforting and nourishing.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Meatballs
  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Lentils Tikka Masala
  • 2 cups dry brown lentils
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 6 oz can tomato paste
  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tbsp ginger paste or minced ginger
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
For Serving (optional)
  • sliced green onions
  • chopped cilantro

Method
 

For the Meatballs
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Using your hands, mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  3. Form 1-1/2 in balls and then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Transfer meatballs to oven and cook for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked through.
  5. Now, prepare/cook the lentils while you wait for the meatballs.
For the Lentils
  1. Using a dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onions, ginger, salt, and pepper. Sauté until onions are tender, about 3 minutes,
  2. Add the paprika, turmeric, curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, and tomato paste. Toast spices for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add lentils and mix well with the spices.
  4. Add broth and bay leaf and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Lentils should be somewhat soft, but they should still have a bit of bite to them.
  5. Incorporate the coconut milk to the pot and stir.
  6. Add the turkey meatballs into the lentil mixture.
  7. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  8. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice and stir to combine. Add more salt if desired.
  9. Serve lentils and meatballs along with cauliflower rice or basmati rice if you prefer. Top with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for extra flavor (optional).