Delicious & Easy Stovetop Lentil Curry: A Wholesome Vegetarian Meal
Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly delicious and easy lentil curry recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also wonderfully nutritious, brimming with a symphony of deeply flavorful spices. What makes it even better? It’s remarkably simple to prepare, requiring just one pot and your stovetop, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
This vibrant lentil curry brings together the earthy goodness of lentils with rich, aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a balanced and utterly satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. Get ready to transform humble lentils into a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.
Why This Lentil Curry Recipe is a Must-Try
This lentil curry isn’t just another vegetarian dish; it’s a culinary revelation that proves plant-based protein can be utterly delicious and deeply satisfying. It stands out as a fantastic alternative to traditional meat-based curries like chicken or shrimp curry, offering a rich and fulfilling experience without compromising on flavor.
The Power of Lentils
The magic truly begins with the lentils themselves. When cooked just right, they become tender and soft, holding their shape beautifully without turning mushy. This texture is crucial, allowing them to effectively absorb every nuance of the ingredients they’re cooked with. Lentils are exceptional at soaking up the bold and fragrant notes of authentic Indian spices, becoming little flavor bombs in every spoonful. Beyond their incredible taste and texture, lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making this curry a genuinely wholesome meal.
A Symphony of Flavors
The carefully chosen combination of spices and seasonings works in harmony to infuse this dish with a vibrant, complex taste. From the warming undertones of cumin and turmeric to the subtle kick of cayenne, each spice plays a vital role in building layers of flavor. The addition of coconut milk introduces a touch of natural sweetness and a luxurious creaminess that balances the spices perfectly, creating a rich and indulgent sauce that you’ll want to savor. This balance of heat, earthiness, and subtle sweetness is what makes this lentil curry so incredibly moreish and comforting, proving that healthy eating can be truly delicious.
Gather Your Ingredients for a Perfect Lentil Curry
Creating a truly flavorful lentil curry begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a general overview to help you visualize what you’ll need for this vibrant dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, layered flavors that make this curry so irresistible.
Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Advice
Let’s dive deeper into the key ingredients that make this lentil curry truly special, along with helpful tips for substitutions and variations.
Lentils: The Heart of the Dish
For this recipe, we highly recommend using **green or brown lentils**. These varieties are known for their ability to soften beautifully while still retaining a slight bite, ensuring they don’t become overly mushy. They also have a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the spices perfectly. You can certainly use **red lentils** if you prefer; they will break down more readily and create an even creamier, almost dahl-like consistency. If opting for red lentils, keep in mind they cook much faster than green or brown varieties, so adjust your simmering time accordingly (they often cook in 15-20 minutes). Always rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
Aromatic Base & Flavor Boosters
- Garlic and Ginger: These form the aromatic foundation of almost any great curry. You can use freshly minced garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor, or for convenience, pre-minced versions work well. If using paste, ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion, sautéed until soft and translucent, adds a sweet depth to the curry base. Yellow or white onions are great choices here.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes, undrained, contribute a lovely tang and a bit of liquid to the sauce. Crushed tomatoes are also an excellent substitute if you prefer a smoother sauce. They also add a rich red color and essential acidity.
The Spice Palette
This curry gets its signature taste from a carefully selected blend of spices:
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and a subtle kick. You can adjust the amount to your heat preference – add more for extra spice or reduce it for a milder flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Brings an earthy, warm, and slightly nutty flavor that is characteristic of many Indian dishes.
- Curry Powder: This is a blend of various spices and is the cornerstone of many curries. Its flavor profile can vary, so use a good quality curry powder that you enjoy. It typically contains turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek.
- Turmeric: Beyond its beautiful golden-yellow hue, turmeric offers an earthy, slightly bitter flavor and boasts significant anti-inflammatory properties, making this curry even healthier.
- Garam Masala (Optional): If you want to elevate the aromatic profile, a teaspoon of garam masala added towards the end of cooking will introduce a warm, fragrant finish. It’s a blend of roasted ground spices, typically including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper.
Creaminess from Coconut Milk
Unsweetened Canned Coconut Milk: This ingredient is essential for creating a rich, creamy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness that beautifully complements the savory spices. We recommend full-fat coconut milk for the most luxurious result, but light coconut milk can be used if you’re looking to reduce calories, though it may result in a slightly thinner consistency. Remember to shake the can well before opening to ensure the cream and liquid are fully combined.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Lentil Curry
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease. For the complete, printable version of this recipe, including all measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by melting the butter in a large deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. The butter will add a rich flavor to your base.
- Infuse Flavor: To the melted butter, add your minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Cook this aromatic trio for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent. This step is crucial for building the foundational flavors of your curry.
- Bloom the Spices: Next, add the cayenne pepper, ground cumin, curry powder, and turmeric to the pan. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds to combine them well with the aromatics. This process, known as “blooming,” helps to toast the spices, releasing their full fragrant oils and enhancing their flavor dramatically.
- Incorporate Tomatoes: Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) to the spice mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined, creating a rich and flavorful sauce base.
- Add Creaminess: Pour in the unsweetened canned coconut milk and stir until it’s fully integrated into the sauce. The coconut milk will lend a beautiful creaminess and subtle sweetness, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Simmer to Perfection: Finally, add the rinsed lentils to the pan and stir them into the sauce. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The lentils should become tender but not completely fall apart.
PRO TIP: If, towards the end of the simmering time, you notice the mixture has thickened more than desired or the lentils aren’t quite tender enough, you can add the optional ½ cup of water. Stir it in and continue to simmer gently until the lentils reach your preferred tenderness. Remember, the goal is soft but intact lentils, not a mushy paste.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Lentil Curry
Storing leftover lentil curry is simple! Once it has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Absolutely, lentil curry freezes exceptionally well! After the curry has cooled completely, transfer it into a freezer-safe airtight container or a large, heavy-duty ziptop bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the curry overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat your lentil curry, you have a couple of easy options. For stovetop reheating, place the curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through to your desired temperature. If the curry has thickened too much during storage, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your preferred consistency. Alternatively, you can easily rewarm it in the microwave; simply heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
While we prefer and recommend dried lentils for their texture and ability to absorb flavors over a longer cooking period, canned lentils can indeed be used! Since canned lentils are already cooked, they should be added towards the end of the recipe, after the sauce has simmered and developed its flavors. Simply rinse them thoroughly and stir them in for the last 5-10 minutes of simmering, allowing them to heat through and absorb some of the curry’s wonderful taste.
Absolutely! This lentil curry is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add a variety of vegetables to boost its nutritional content and flavor. Great options include spinach (stir in at the very end until wilted), diced bell peppers, carrots, green beans, or sweet potatoes. Add harder vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes along with the lentils to ensure they cook through. Leafy greens can be added in the last 5-10 minutes.
The spice level is easily customizable. For more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red chili flakes with the other spices. If you prefer a milder curry, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. A dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice when serving can also help balance any lingering heat.
Serving Your Delicious Lentil Curry
This hearty lentil curry is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when served alongside complementary dishes. The rich, flavorful sauce is perfect for pairing with a variety of staples. We highly recommend serving it over fluffy basmati rice or classic white rice, which beautifully soak up every drop of the aromatic sauce. For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice. Warm, soft naan bread is always a welcome addition to any curry meal, ideal for scooping up the savory goodness. To enhance the freshness and visual appeal, garnish your lentil curry with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also add a bright, zesty finish that truly elevates the flavors.
Discover More Flavorful Plant-Based Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this wholesome lentil curry, you’ll be delighted to explore other delicious and nutritious recipes that highlight the versatility of lentils and other comforting dishes:
- Hearty Lentil Soup: A comforting and filling soup, perfect for colder days, packed with vegetables and savory broth.
- Flavorful Lentil Meatballs: A brilliant plant-based alternative to traditional meatballs, these are delicious in pasta dishes or as appetizers.
- Classic Chicken Tikka Masala: For those who also enjoy meat, this creamy and spiced chicken dish is an Indian restaurant favorite you can make at home.
- Refreshing Lentil Salad: A light and vibrant salad featuring lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing, ideal for a healthy lunch.
I absolutely adore sharing my passion for baking and cooking with all of you! To make sure you never miss out on a new recipe or kitchen adventure, I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a fresh recipe posts. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your culinary journey!
Lentil Curry
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon curry powder
- 1 Tablespoon turmeric
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
- 14 ounces unsweetened canned coconut milk
- 9 ounces green or brown lentils
- ½ cup water optional, see below
Things You’ll Need
-
Large heavy bottomed skillet with lid
Before You Begin
- We prefer to use green or brown lentils because they soften nicely, but you can also use red lentils. Red lentils will be even creamier if that’s the consistency you prefer, but do note that they cook faster than green or brown lentils.
- We have not tried using canned lentils for this recipe, but I don’t see why they wouldn’t work. Because they are already cooked and you only need to warm them up, you can add them in toward the end of the recipe.
Instructions
-
Melt the butter in skillet over medium high heat.
-
To the melted butter add garlic, ginger, and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until onions soften.
-
Add in the cayenne pepper, cumin, curry, and turmeric. Stir to combine well.
-
Add canned tomatoes and stir well.
-
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well.
-
Add lentils to the pan and stir well. Bring mixture to a boil. Put lid on pan, turn heat down to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
TIP – If the mixture has thickened too much and the lentils aren’t quite tender enough yet (you don’t want them mushy), you can add the optional water and let it cook until lentils are done.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- STORAGE – Store any leftover lentil curry in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- FREEZE – Transfer the cooled lentil curry into an air-tight container or large ziptop bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- REHEAT – Reheat the curry in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also rewarm it in the microwave.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.