Description
Creamy, comforting, and full of warm spices, this Red Lentil Curry is a nourishing, plant-based dish made with red lentils, coconut milk, and Indian-inspired seasonings. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or naan, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, coating the onions with the spices.
- Add the red lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender and the curry has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm with rice or naan.
Notes
Add chopped spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for more heat.
Use light coconut milk for a less rich version.
Squeeze fresh lime before serving for a bright flavor boost.
Curry thickens when stored; add water or broth when reheating.
Freezes well in single portions for easy meals later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg