Coconut Curry Lentil Stew

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

A rich Indian lentil curry infused with coconut milk and aromatic spices, representing the depth of South Asian culinary traditions. This indian-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs split lentils, coconut milk, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 diced tomato and cook for 3 minutes until broken down. Add 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup split lentils, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup water to adjust consistency. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Curry Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Coconut Curry Lentil Stew?

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 split lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Curry Lentil Stew?

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 Coconut Curry Lentil Stew 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 Coconut Curry Lentil Stew?

Indian one pot 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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