If there’s one meal that never fails to satisfy while still being wholesome and budget-friendly, it’s lentil curry. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket in a bowl — comforting, filling, and full of nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re already a fan of lentils or looking for a way to love them, this simple lentil curry is a weeknight staple worth adding to your rotation.
What I love about this curry is that it’s flexible. You can use red, green, or brown lentils depending on the texture you’re after. It comes together in one pot, requires minimal chopping, and the spices make your kitchen smell amazing. It also happens to be vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with protein and fiber.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Getting Started: Build That Flavor Base
Start with heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and slightly golden — about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Now comes the magic part: spices. Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds. This helps unlock their full aroma and depth. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now.
Simmer It Low and Slow
Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir well. Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the lentils are soft and starting to break down.
Red lentils break down faster than other types, which is great for a creamier curry. If you prefer more texture, you can try using green or brown lentils, but the cook time will increase by about 10–15 minutes.
Creamy Finishing Touches
Once the lentils are tender, stir in the coconut milk. This turns the curry into something silky, rich, and perfectly spiced. Let it simmer for another 5–10 minutes uncovered to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
If you like your curry with a bit of tang, you can add a splash of lime juice or a spoonful of plain yogurt just before serving.
Time to Serve It Up
Spoon the curry over warm basmati rice or scoop it up with naan. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a fresh note. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but also plays well as a side with grilled veggies or a simple cucumber salad.
Leftovers? Even Better
Like many curries, this one tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Make It Your Own
This lentil curry is a fantastic base for all kinds of customizations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking
- Stir in frozen peas or diced carrots for extra veg
- Use green or brown lentils for more texture
- Add a spoonful of garam masala at the end for deeper spice
- Top with roasted chickpeas or a swirl of cashew cream for garnish
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
It’s easy to make, healthy, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients, and it comes together with mostly pantry staples. It’s the perfect recipe to make when you want something cozy, nourishing, and deeply flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Make it once, and it’ll become one of those go-to meals you crave on chilly nights or busy weekdays. It checks all the boxes: affordable, customizable, freezer-friendly, and most of all — delicious.
Meta Description: This easy lentil curry is hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor — made in one pot with pantry staples and perfect for a cozy, plant-based meal.
