Description
A rich and velvety red lentil curry simmered in creamy coconut milk, flavored with warm spices and aromatics.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger; cook another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes; cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add red lentils, coconut milk, and broth. Stir, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and curry thickens.
- Season with salt and lemon juice; adjust to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve over rice or with naan.
Notes
- To make it spicier, add more chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
- Use light coconut milk for a lower‑fat version.
- Let curry rest a few minutes off the heat—the sauce will thicken further.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg