How to Make the Perfect Savory Vegetable and Lentil Curry
Indian · Easy · 40 min · 5 servings
This warming lentil and vegetable curry is richly spiced and comes together in one pot using affordable ingredients that deliver incredible depth of flavor. It is a hearty and complete meal that proves eating well on a tight budget is absolutely achievable every single day.
Why this recipe works
This Savory Vegetable and Lentil Curry recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 255 calories with 13g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups red lentils rinsed
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 1 can coconut milk or diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 3 cups water
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute Onion and Spices
Heat a large pot over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 6 minutes until golden and soft. Add the curry powder and stir constantly for 90 seconds to bloom the spices in the oil and onion until deeply fragrant.
Step 2: Add Carrots and Lentils
Add the diced carrots and rinsed red lentils to the pot and stir to coat them in the spiced onion mixture. Pour in the coconut milk or diced tomatoes and the three cups of water. Stir everything together well.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the curry to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the lentils have completely broken down and the carrots are tender. The curry will thicken naturally as the lentils dissolve.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the curry and season generously with salt. If it is too thick, stir in a splash of water to loosen it. Serve hot over steamed rice or with warmed flatbread for a complete and filling meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- carrots → any firm vegetable such as potatoes, sweet potato, or cauliflower
- coconut milk → diced canned tomatoes for a brighter and more acidic flavor profile
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring the curry frequently enough during simmering which causes the lentils to stick and scorch on the bottom of the pot
- Using too little salt which makes all the aromatic spices taste muted and flat in the finished dish
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 255 calories, 13g protein, 40g carbs, 4g fat, 11g fiber.
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