Lentil Curry

Why Make This Recipe

Lentil curry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is loved by many. It’s packed with protein from lentils, and you can easily adjust the spices to fit your taste. This recipe is not only wholesome but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Whether you are looking for a warm dish for a chilly evening or a quick recipe for family dinner, lentil curry is a fantastic choice.

How to Make Lentil Curry

Ingredients

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 inch ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable stock (or more if you prefer a soupier curry)
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
• 1 cup split red lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
• 4 wedges lemon
• 1 handful cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley)
• 4 tablespoons Greek-style yogurt (non-dairy works too)
• 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or brown rice)

Directions

1. Make Flavor Base: Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Then, add 2 grated cloves of garlic, 1 inch of grated ginger, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons coriander, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Sauté for one more minute. If the pot gets dry, add 2 tablespoons of water.

2. Add Lentils: Add 2 cups of vegetable stock, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of coconut milk, and 1 cup of split red lentils (rinsed with water). Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.

3. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the lentils are cooked, which takes about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. When they are cooked, stir in 1 teaspoon of garam masala. If you want a soupier curry, add more broth.

4. Serve: Serve the curry with basmati or brown rice, lemon juice, cilantro, and/or thinly sliced scallions. Add a dollop of Greek-style yogurt if desired.

How to Serve Lentil Curry

Lentil curry is best served hot over a bed of cooked basmati or brown rice. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice on top for extra brightness, and garnish with cilantro or scallions. A spoonful of yogurt adds creaminess and balances the spices.

How to Store Lentil Curry

Let the lentil curry cool down to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, lentil curry can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Lentil Curry

• Use different types of lentils if you prefer; just note that cooking times may vary.
• Adjust the spices based on your taste. You can make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes.
• For a rich flavor, let the curry sit for a while before serving; it often tastes better the next day.

Variation

You can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Other proteins like chickpeas can also be mixed in if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I make lentil curry in a slow cooker?
   Yes! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off experience.

2. Is lentil curry gluten-free?
   Yes, lentil curry is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, especially broth and canned goods, are labeled gluten-free.

3. Can it be made without coconut milk?
   Yes, if you prefer a lower-fat option, you can skip the coconut milk or substitute it with cashew cream or just use more vegetable stock for a lighter curry.

Lentil Curry

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• Author: ikramnihad
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and nutritious lentil curry packed with protein and spices, perfect for any day of the week.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1 inch ginger (grated)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 teaspoons coriander
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable stock (or more if you prefer a soupier curry)
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
• 1 cup split red lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garam masala (optional)
• 4 wedges lemon
• 1 handful cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley)
• 4 tablespoons Greek-style yogurt (non-dairy works too)
• 2 cups cooked basmati rice (or brown rice)

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Instructions

1. Heat 1½ tablespoons olive oil in a large pot. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes.
2. Add 2 grated cloves of garlic, 1 inch grated ginger, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons coriander, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Sauté for one more minute.
3. If the pot gets dry, add 2 tablespoons of water.
4. Add 2 cups of vegetable stock, 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 can of coconut milk, and 1 cup of split red lentils (rinsed). Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked, stirring occasionally.
6. When cooked, stir in 1 teaspoon garam masala. Add more broth if you want a soupier curry.
7. Serve the curry hot over cooked basmati or brown rice with lemon juice, cilantro, and Greek-style yogurt if desired.

Notes

Adjust spices to your taste preference. For a richer flavor, let the curry sit for a while before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lentil curry, vegetarian curry, healthy recipe, Indian recipe, protein-rich meal