Steamed Lentils with Green Beans and Semolina

Steamed Lentils with Green Beans and Semolina is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Pankaj Sharma on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: 60 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min

Cost: $5.67 total, $1.42 per serving

Ingredients

  • 125 g Green lentils (Rinsed then soaked 20 min)
  • 200 ml Coconut milk (Canned, well shaken)
  • 1 Small tomato (Diced)
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 10 g Fresh ginger (Grated, half for lentils, half for green beans)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Grated, half for lentils, half for green beans)
  • 2 tbsp Curry powder
  • 2 tbsp Fresh coriander (Chopped finely)
  • 1 pinch Black pepper
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 125 g Cogettes (green beans) (Cut into 2‑3 cm pieces)
  • 125 g Medium wheat semolina (Soaked 10 min before cooking)
  • 250 ml Water (To rehydrate the semolina)

Instructions

  1. Soaking the lentils

    Rinse the lentils under cold water, place them in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  2. Soaking the semolina

    Place the semolina in another bowl, cover with cold water and let soak for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Preparing aromatics and vegetables

    Dice the tomato, grate the ginger (in two portions) and the garlic, chop the coriander.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Assembling the first layer (lentils)

    Drain the lentils, place them in the first level of the steamer. Add the bay leaf, half of the grated ginger, half of the grated garlic, the diced tomato, 1 tbsp curry, the coconut milk, a pinch of pepper, salt and the coriander. Mix gently.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First steaming

    Steam the lentils for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 100°C

  6. Preparing the green beans

    Mix the green beans with the remaining grated ginger, remaining grated garlic and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Adding the second layer (green beans)

    After the initial 30 minutes, place the seasoned green beans in the second level of the steamer. Arrange tomato slices on top.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Final cooking

    Continue steaming for another 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 100°C

  9. Preparing the semolina

    Drain the soaked semolina, add the water (or broth) and a pinch of salt. Stir lightly.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Placing the third layer (semolina)

    Once steaming is finished, place the seasoned semolina in the third level of the steamer for the last 5 minutes to warm it.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  11. Serving

    Remove the three layers, arrange each layer on plates and serve immediately.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Meat-free, Dairy-free, low-calorie, high-fiber

Allergens: coconut milk, gluten

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Instead of Green lentils: Chickpeas, Red beans
  • Instead of Coconut milk: Coconut cream, Almond milk
  • Instead of Small tomato: Red bell pepper
  • Instead of Bay leaf: Thyme
  • Instead of Fresh ginger: Ground ginger
  • Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder
  • Instead of Curry powder: Garam masala
  • Instead of Fresh coriander: Parsley
  • Instead of Black pepper: White pepper
  • Instead of Salt: Sea salt
  • Instead of Cogettes (green beans): Snow peas
  • Instead of Medium wheat semolina: Fine couscous
  • Instead of Water: Vegetable broth

Equipment Needed

  • 3-tier steamer
  • Pot or saucepan for the steamer base
  • Mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fine grater
  • Tablespoon
  • Measuring cup
  • Silicone spatula (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

  • Soaking the lentils (20 min)
  • First steaming (30 min) before adding the green beans
  • Adding the green beans at the right time (after 30 min)
  • Final cooking (30 min) so everything is fully cooked

Chef Tips from the Video

  • Use full‑fat coconut milk for extra creaminess.
  • Sprinkle a little fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Troubleshooting

The lentils remain hard after cooking.

Extend the steaming by an additional 5‑10 minutes or ensure the lentils were properly soaked.

The semolina becomes sticky.

Do not let the semolina soak for more than 10 minutes and add a little more cold water before cooking.

The green beans are too soft.

Reduce the final cooking time to 25 minutes or add them 5 minutes later.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.

Freezer: Not recommended, the steamed texture deteriorates.

Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours at room temperature.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Soak the lentils the night before to save time on the day.
  • Pre‑cook the aromatics (ginger, garlic) and keep them refrigerated.

Last updated: September 6, 2026

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Steamed Lentils with Green Beans and Semolina

Recipe by Pankaj Sharma

A complete and healthy dish cooked by steaming in three layers: lentils flavored with curry and coconut milk, spiced green beans, and medium wheat semolina. Ideal for a protein- and fiber-rich vegan meal.

MediumIndianServes 4

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Source Video
55m
Prep
1h 15m
Cook
16m
Cleanup
2h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.67
Total cost
$1.42
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Soaking the lentils (20 min)
  • • First steaming (30 min) before adding the green beans
  • • Adding the green beans at the right time (after 30 min)
  • • Final cooking (30 min) so everything is fully cooked

Safety Warnings

  • • Beware of very hot steam: handle the lid with kitchen gloves.
  • • Use heat‑resistant utensils to avoid burns.