Are you craving a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that can be whipped up in no time? Look no further than the Savory One-Pan Lentil Curry. This delicious curry combines the earthiness of lentils with aromatic spices and a medley of vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal that will please both your taste buds and your busy schedule. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the wonders of this mouthwatering lentil curry.
Ingredients
To make a delicious savory one-pan lentil curry, you will need the following ingredients:
Red lentils
Red lentils are the star of this curry, providing a rich and creamy texture. Make sure to rinse and drain them before cooking to remove any impurities.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor to the curry and helps to enhance the richness of the dish.
Onion
Chopped onion adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor to the curry. It also adds a nice texture to the dish.
Garlic
Garlic adds a depth of flavor and aroma to the curry. Be sure to chop it finely to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dish.
Ginger
Fresh ginger brings a warm and slightly spicy taste to the curry. Grate or chop it finely to release its aromatic flavors.
Curry powder
Curry powder is a blend of various spices that add a robust and fragrant flavor to the dish. Be sure to use a good quality curry powder for the best results.
Cumin
Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor to the curry. It pairs well with the other spices and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Turmeric
Turmeric gives the curry a beautiful golden color and adds a mild earthy flavor. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and provides numerous health benefits.
Red pepper flakes
Red pepper flakes add a hint of spice and heat to the curry. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
Vegetable broth
Vegetable broth provides a savory base for the curry and adds extra depth of flavor. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
Coconut milk
Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the curry, balancing out the spices and adding a deliciously indulgent taste.
Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious addition to the curry, providing a vibrant green color and tender texture. It adds freshness and boosts the healthiness of the dish.
Cilantro
Chopped cilantro adds a pop of freshness and a mild citrusy flavor to the curry. It is a classic herb used in many Indian dishes.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for flavoring the curry. Adjust the amount to taste and season as needed throughout the cooking process.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:
Rinse and drain lentils
Start by rinsing the red lentils in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Drain them well before using in the curry.
Chop onion, garlic, and ginger
Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Take your time to make sure they are evenly and finely chopped, as this will enhance the flavor distribution in the curry.
Chop cilantro
Chop the cilantro into small pieces, separating the leaves from the stems. This will add a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.
Measure spices
Measure out the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes according to the recipe. Accurate measurements ensure a well-balanced and flavorful curry.
Measure vegetable broth and coconut milk
Measure out the vegetable broth and coconut milk as required. Having these liquids ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
Cooking the Lentils
Now it’s time to start cooking the lentils and building the flavors of the curry. Follow these steps:
Heat coconut oil in a pan
In a large pan or skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely and coat the bottom of the pan.
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and starts to soften. This will take about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and ginger, cook for another minute
Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for an additional minute. Stir them well with the onion to combine the flavors.
Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, stir well
Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir everything together well to evenly coat the onion, garlic, and ginger with the spices. This step helps to awaken the flavors and release their aromas.
Add red lentils and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly
Add the rinsed and drained red lentils to the pan, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. This brief cooking time allows the lentils to slightly toast and absorb the flavors of the spices.
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil
Pour in the vegetable broth, which will help to cook the lentils and provide a delicious base for the curry. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Adding Flavor and Creaminess
Now that the lentils are cooked, it’s time to add some extra flavor and creaminess to the curry. Follow these steps:
Pour in coconut milk, stir well to combine with the lentils
Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine it with the cooked lentils. This will add a luxurious creaminess to the dish and balance out the spices.
Simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to thicken the curry
Continue to simmer the curry uncovered for another 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and allow the curry to thicken slightly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Taste the curry and season with salt and pepper according to your preferences. Adjust the seasoning as needed, keeping in mind that the flavors will continue to develop as the curry simmers.
Incorporating Vegetables
To add a nutritious twist to your lentil curry, incorporate some vegetables. Follow these steps:
Add spinach to the pan, allowing it to wilt
Add the spinach to the pan and gently stir it into the curry. Allow the heat of the curry to wilt the spinach, which should only take a couple of minutes.
Stir in chopped cilantro for added freshness
Finally, stir in the chopped cilantro to add a burst of freshness to the curry. The cilantro will complement the other ingredients and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Adjusting the Consistency
The consistency of the curry can be easily adjusted to your preference. Follow these steps:
If the curry is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth
If the curry is thicker than you desire, simply add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen it up. Add a little at a time and stir well until you reach your desired consistency.
If the curry is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken
If the curry is thinner than you would like, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken the curry naturally.
Serving Suggestions
Your savory one-pan lentil curry is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are some serving suggestions:
Serve the lentil curry over cooked rice or quinoa
Spoon the lentil curry over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or quinoa. The lentils and vegetables will soak up the flavors of the curry, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
Garnish with additional cilantro leaves
Sprinkle some additional cilantro leaves on top of the curry just before serving. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Pair with naan bread or pita for dipping
Serve warm naan bread or pita alongside the lentil curry for an added element of texture and to scoop up the flavorful curry.
Enjoy as a standalone dish or as a side with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
The lentil curry can be enjoyed as a filling and satisfying standalone dish or as a side dish paired with roasted vegetables or grilled chicken. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers, here’s what you need to know about storing and reheating the curry:
Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container
Once the curry has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It’s important to let it cool down before storing it to prevent condensation and maintain its freshness.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
The lentil curry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy it as leftovers throughout the week.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally
To reheat the curry, simply transfer it to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if needed to revive the consistency
If the curry appears dry after reheating, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to revive the consistency. This will ensure that it remains creamy and delicious.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your lentil curry by trying out some variations. Here are a few ideas:
Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color
For added texture and color, consider adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the curry while it’s cooking. These vegetables will add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for added protein
To boost the protein content of your curry, stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas. This addition will provide a meaty texture and make the dish even more filling.
Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green
Switch up the leafy green in your curry by replacing spinach with kale or Swiss chard. These greens have a slightly different taste and texture, adding variety to your dish.
For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapenos or cayenne pepper to the curry
If you prefer your curry to have a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance to add an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive recipe for a savory one-pan lentil curry. This flavorful and nutritious meal can be prepared quickly and easily with simple ingredients. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables and spices. Whether enjoyed with rice, bread, or on its own, this rich and creamy curry is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade lentil curry!