Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make healthy lentil curry featuring red lentils simmered in a rich coconut milk and tomato base, infused with warming Indian spices. Perfect for a vegan and gluten-free main course that’s hearty, nutritious, and ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Spices
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full-fat or light)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toast spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromas.
- Add main ingredients: Stir in the rinsed red lentils, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, coconut milk, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer the curry: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the curry thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the curry hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Serve with basmati rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
- For added nutrition, stir in spinach or chopped carrots during the simmering step.
- This lentil curry freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
