Vegan Keema Madras with lentils. Keema is usually a minced meat dish made with combination of spices to add a complex flavor. This Keema uses red lentils. Serve this with flatbread, rice or with dosa, appam. Vegan Gluten-free Soy-free Recipe Nut-free Option Jump to Recipe
Here is another ridiculously delicious Indian meal. Indian Keema is a minced meat dish with various meats used depending on the region. North Indian Keema is cooked with spices and served with thick flatbreads. This South Indian Keema uses whole spices, poppy seeds, fennel seeds and coconut for a fantastic flavor base.
The red lentils and potatoes are cooked to al dente. The spices are ground and roasted in a bit of oil, then the onion and garlic are added and cooked with the spices. The pureed tomato is then added and simmered until the sauce thickens. Then the cooked lentils are mixed in. By mixing the lentils later, the spices and the sauce get time and surface area to roast well and develop flavor. If you add lentils before the sauce has cooked, or along with the tomato to cook, the overall flavor suffers as the extra volume hinders the roasting. You can use other cooked lentils or beans and veggies of choice in this delicious sauce.
As I always mention with the more involved recipes, don’t be intimidated by the spice list, and experiment with the flavor to preference. The flavors meld and get this meaty profile after sitting for a bit like most Indian recipes. Double the recipe and save a batch for the next day. This Keema Madras profile reminds me of the lamb keema being cooked in the neighborhood long ago. This one is All the meaty flavor without any meat. Lets make some!
Ingredients for Keema Madras and substitution options
- Red lentils and potatoes are pre-cooked to al dente. This is done so that the flavor of the spices in the sauce stays concentrated in the sauce. When you cook the lentils in the spices, they absorb a lot of the flavor and it distributes. The flavor will show up after sitting for a few hours, but it isnt as concentrated. The balance of spicy sauce and non spiced textured lentils is much more pleasing.
- Some coarsely crushed walnuts add more meaty texture.
- garlic, onion are the aromatics. To make this without garlic and onion, omit them and add 1/8 tsp fenugreek seeds to the spices.
- tomato puree and some coconut makes the rest of the sauce
- carrots add a slight sweet balance. You can use other veggies or omit.
- Whole Spices: whole black peppercorns, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds add amazing flavor
- Ground spices: ground coriander, ground cumin, sage, ground cinnamon add the meaty flavor
- Raw rice is added for texture and adds grittyness to the spice mixture allowing it to roast evenly without easily burning. You can omit it if you like.
- Salt brings out the flavors in the sauce.
- Nut-free: Omit the walnuts.
How to make Keema Madras
Add garlic, cook for a few seconds. (You can also add 6 curry leaves at this point). Add onion and good pinch of salt and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, blend the tomatoes with coconut and a few tbsp of water until smooth.
More Indian Dishes to try
- Butter Tofu GF
- IP Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce , with Cauliflower. GF
- Tofu Amritsari Masala.GF
- Instant Pot Vegan Butter Chickin(soycurls). GF – Creamy, Delicious
- Mushroom Matar Masala GF
- Bombay Potato and Peas GF
- Tofu in Spinach Curry – Palak Tofu GF
Yum brown food!
If you make the recipe, do let me know in the comments how you liked it. Also do rate the recipe using the star rating above the comment box!
Recipe Card
Vegan Keema Madras with lentils
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (60 g) red lentils (masoor dal)
- 3/4 cup (157.5 g) cubed potatoes , small cubes
Spices:
- 1/2 tsp pepper corns or freshly ground , use 1 tsp for the real deal
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon or 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 3/4 - 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp raw rice (optional), or use rice flour
- 1/2 tsp sage
Sauce:
- 2 tsp oil
- 3 cloves of garlic , finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (80 g) finely chopped onion
- 2 medium tomatoes , or 11 oz diced
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup (39 g) coarsely crushed walnuts
- 1/3 cup (42.67 g) shredded carrots ,optional
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Cilantro, pepper flakes, lime juice for garnish
Instructions
- Lentils + Potatoes: Add red lentils, potatoes, and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Cook uncovered over medium heat until potatoes are tender. 13-14 mins. Add in a good pinch of salt mid way. Do not drain.
- Spices: Grind the the spices in a grinder or blender. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spices and toast for 2-3 mins. If the pan is heating too quickly, roast at medium-low heat.
- Add garlic and cook for a few seconds. (You can also add 6 curry leaves at this point if you have some). Add onion and good pinch of salt and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, blend the tomatoes with coconut and a few tbsp of water until smooth.
- Add the blended tomato coconut mixture and cook over medium until it thickens and oil starts to leave the mixture. 5 to 7 mins. Add the carrots and walnuts and cook for 2 mins.
- Add the cooked lentils and potatoes with the cooking water(it should be about a half cup or so liquid after evaporation during cooking in step 1). Add salt and mix well to combine the spiced mixture and lentils.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 5 to 7 mins. Taste and adjust salt and flavor.
- Add a dash of lime juice, generous pepper flakes or cayenne, and cilantro and serve with rice, flatbread or dosas. Or add to wraps, tacos.Store: Refrigerate for upto 3 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Chalene
I got things out of order a couple of times but it still turned out delicious. All the Vegan, Vegetarians, and SAD diet followers all loved it. It was a hit all around. This recipe is definitely a keeper,
Vegan Richa Support
Thank you!
Lore A
Love this recipe! I love all your recipes, Richa, and this one is winner too. I included the carrots. I added some sliced baby bella mushrooms at the same time as the tomato/coconut mixture. I used canned tomatoes. It’s perfect! Delicious! Agree with other comments that you should double or triple recipe. I made as written and only made 3 servings. Thanks Richa!
Vegan Richa Support
sounds like you liked it.
Elsbeth
Wow 🤩 I love most of your recipes. But this one stands out because the complexity of flavors and textures. It really tastes gourmet. So happy I found this recipe and already had all ingredient. Will make again ❤️
Vegan Richa Support
ooohhhh gourmet! thank you
Andrea
This is absolutely fantastic. It’s a new flavor combo for me. Over rice with that splash of lime juice just made it perfect. Love it…thanks so much.
Vegan Richa Support
That’s great !! Thank you so much 😊
Shubha
This was delicious!!! Heavenly! Thank you, Richa! One of the best vegan recipes.
Richa
So glad you loved it!
Louise
Hello
Do you think this could be made in the instant pot? Many thanks love your recipes!! Xx
Richa
Yes 3 mins for the lentils. Add them after adding walnuts, add 1/2 cup less water and pressure cook 3 mins
Louise
Sorry, do you mean add all to instant pot and cook for 3 mins? Or cook lentils and pot 3 mins add everything else and cook another 3 mins xx sorry to be a pain x
Richa
Skip the first step of cooking the lentils. Follow the sauce steps in sauté mode, then add washed lentils instead of cooked (recipe says to add cooked). Add potatoes and 1.5 cups water then close lid and pressure cook 3 mins. Quick release after 5 mins
Louise
Thank you so much!! I’ll let you know how it turns out! Happy Tuesday x
Vegan Richa Support
I cannot wait to hear what you think!
Emily
This is so good. I love it so much.
Vegan Richa Support
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Pat
Why the walnuts? Texture? Fat? Flavor?
Richa
Texture
Pat
Can i sub the spice mix with madras curry powder?
Vegan Richa Support
you could but it would impart a pretty different flavour
Satin
5 stars from me! My lentil dishes always end up morphing into one same flavour but this was amazing! I omitted the walnuts and used arrowroot powder as a substitute for the rice. Thank you, my family (including a ten year old and a teenage boy) are thriving on an exclusively vegan diet for almost two years now thanks to wonderful vegan recipes like yours. Anyone who thinks children need animal products for growth and health, please rest assured that this is not the case. Since going vegan we have had optimal nutrition and health. In gratitude for your work and your compassion for animals 🙏🏼
Richa
Awesome
Nicola
We had this lentil curry last night and it was a big hit with my vegan and non-vegan family. They said they would definitely eat it again, so I’m adding it to my book.
I made it as per instructions, with walnuts and carrots. I used whole spices and freshly blitzed them. The only (minor) flaw with the recipe was that it definitely would not have fed four people; at least not four in my family! I tripled the recipe and it made for six adult servings. I still have to rate the recipe five stars though because really, it is worth it.
After making this recipe I have gone on to buy your Indian cookbook; which I’m excited to arrive in the mail 🙂
Vegan Richa Support
i’m glad everyone enjoyed it! thank you so very much for your support – You’re going to Love the cookbook =).
Dee
Delicious! Loved the spice blend. I used canned tomatoes but drained the juice and it was yum. I doubled the spices like you suggested. Adding it to my list of favourites. Thank you for the recipe!
Vegan Richa Support
Awesome !! thank you Dee
Sue
Absolutely banging delicious. !!! Used tinned tomatoes and was perfect, will never get a takeaway madras again.
Vegan Richa Support
wow!!! that’s amazing. I”m so pleased to hear. thank you!
Vanshika Bansal
Where I can buy sage in Delhi.
Vegan Richa Support
good question….🤔🤔 I reside in USA. But here’s a link!! I hope this helps.
Julia
Outstanding!!! Good thing too because I went all in and made a humongous batch. I had a good feeling:) I pretty much followed the recipe, adding a touch of cayenne for heat. The spice blend is heavenly and unique. The final product was totally fantastic. I served it with slow cooked greens and homemade naan. I also love the suggestion of serving tacos with this.
Another incredible recipe!
Richa
Awesome
Sylke
Tried this today and while I didn’t have everything required (rice flour, poppy seeds and walnuts), it was still delicious. I added a little coconut flour at the end as it wasn’t as thick as I was expecting it and that worked well. We had it with rice. I think it might become a regular dish!
Anouk Booneman
Delicious! And easy to make.
Ana
So, I didn’t do like I’m supposed to and read the entire recipe before beginning. Which resulted in me blending *everything* listed under “sauce” in a food processor. It still turned out amazing though!! Really, really delicious. Don’t be like me.. read the entire recipe before starting! 😆
Rahul
Can store-bought tomato puree be used instead of blending chopped tomato with coconut flakes? And can dried curry leaves be used or should they be fresh?
Richa
dried curry leaves are ok. If you use canned puree, use less of it as it is more concentrated.
Lisa
This was unbelievably delicious! Thankfully, we doubled the recipe last night so we can have it again tonite. So glad to have found your blog, Richa. Thank you!!
Richa
yay! so glad you found me too!
Rochelle
Beautiful dish and full of flavor. I added 1tsp of curry powder since I didn’t have curry leaves. Omitted the walnuts and half the oil to reduce fat. I’ll be making this again and again. Thank you!
Richa
awesome!
Bianca
Thank you, great recipe! I made it several times now, with red lentils and with brown lentils and personally I like the texture of the brown lentils better. I love your flavors!
Richa
yay! yes use lentils or split peas etc.
Laura
Delicious! Mine isn’t as red and pretty as yours, but the flavor is excellent.
Richa
aweesome!
Denisa Selagea
Loved it. Made it last night for our Sabbath lunch. I added a a bit of coconut milk as I wanted to have a bit more coconut flavour. But the rest of the ingredients works together awesomely. Thank you Richa.
Richa
Thats awesome!
Surabhi
Amazing! Totally different flavors for me. Tasted very “meaty”, filling, and satisfying.
My hubby said “save this recipe!”
Richa
Awesome! Thanks!
Kristi
I don’t have a motor and postal so I didn’t ground my fennel seeds, and I realized I didn’t have poppy seeds and sage too late. Despite these issues this turned out fantastic, I can’t even imagine how good it would be if I followed the directions
Krista
This recipe is SO DELICIOUS!!!! It is an immediate favorite now! The spice blend is so good! Thank you Richa!
Richa
Awesome!!
Sérgio Costa
Delicious! I let mine cook for a little bit longer because it was a little watery, but the flavour was amazing!
Richa
yay
Ellen
I made this the day you posted it because I happened to have all the ingredients on have. Thankfully I doubled the recipe, but even then my husband and I devoured it in two meals. We both love your stuff and use your cookbook often.
Thank you.
Richa
Thank you Ellen!!
Linda Watson
So wonderfully delicious!!!
Richa
Thanks!
Garrett
Hello! I don’t have access to much of the spice mix, wondering if harissa paste could be a good substitute without throwing the dish off too much. Thanks!
Richa
harissa is quite different. Do you have any of the individual ground spices?
Srichand Dodeja
I can not see the ingredients list on your recipe page. Can you help?
I love your recipes!
Richa
i can see them at my end, can you send a picture of what you see?
Romy
Deeelicious!
I had a package of lentils from Trader Joe’s I’d forgotten about. This sauce was perfect. I wanted to keep it light so I made the sauce and added just the package of pre-cooked lentils…it was light and satisfying at the same time. My husband and I ate all of it in one sitting.
Thank you Richa!
PS curious about adding the tsp. raw rice to the spice blend…I’m assuming so it all stays light and fluffy?
Richa
Awesome! The rice gets blended/ground up with the whole spices. It adds a bit of volume and nuttyness. The volume esp helps the whole spices roast evenly without burning easily. For a more traditional recipe, i would also use coriander, cumin and cinnamon as whole spices so then the rice would be more essential.
Lin
I see where the recipe says you can add six curry leaves but I don’t see this in the listing of ingredients. Are they optional? Thanks to my favorite cook.
Richa
yes they are optional. in the interest of not making the ingredient list any longer, i did not add the optional ingredient. 🙂
Cheryl
Do you eat the 6 curry leaves or are they removed like bay leaves?
Richa
you can eat them or discard them. they are soft and edible. but they are a leaf, so personal preference.
Douglas
I really enjoyed it. The spices are warming and the touch of coconut adds a nice flavor. I was going to serve it over rice but the lentils and potatoes make a nice thickness. The only mistake I made was using black walnuts and not dicing them small enough. I ended up with big pieces that were sort of overpowering. I didn’t have curry leaves but the other spices were fine and made a great flavor. And I used canned diced tomatoes. I’d make this again.
Richa
Awesome! Thanks! I put the walnuts in the processor for a coarse meal. that texture works really well.