Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Indian dish with aromatic basmati rice and a rich, spiced lentil curry simmered to perfection. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 90 minutes pairs red lentils, coconut milk, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (15 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice and add to a pot with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tbsp coriander, and 1 tsp chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup soaked red lentils, 1 can coconut milk, 4 cups water, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  5. Step 5: Serve the curry over rice, garnished with 1/4 cup cilantro and 1 tbsp lemon juice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (40 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep red lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Spiced Lentil Curry with Basmati Rice?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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