Description
This Creamy Coconut & Red Lentil Curry is a hearty, comforting dish that comes together in just 30 minutes using 8 simple ingredients. It’s rich, flavorful, vegan, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served with rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely minced
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped (stems and leaves divided)
- 1 tablespoon salt-free curry powder
- ¼ – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1½ cups (309g) dry red lentils
- 1 (13.5 oz / 398 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups (470 ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- Serving suggestions: cooked basmati or jasmine rice, naan, or roti
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or neutral oil.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, ginger, and cilantro stems. Sauté for 1–2 more minutes.
- Stir in curry powder and cayenne pepper (if using), and cook for another minute.
- Rinse lentils briefly under cool water. Add them to the pot along with coconut milk, vegetable broth, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
- Serve warm over rice and top with reserved cilantro leaves. Optionally serve with naan or roti.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté setting for steps 1–2. Add lentils and liquids, cancel sauté mode, seal, and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before manual release.
- Add-ins: Add diced carrots, potatoes, or spicy peppers in step 2. Stir in spinach or mustard greens just before the curry finishes simmering.
- This recipe is highly customizable—adjust the spice level and ingredients based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
