Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry
A fragrant and protein-rich curry made with red lentils, aromatic spices, and coconut milk, embodying the melting pot of American culinary traditions. This indian-inspired indian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs coconut oil, large, finely chopped (1 cup) onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 large, finely chopped (1 cup) onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 cup, rinsed red lentils
- 1 can (14 oz), light coconut milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 medium, diced (1 cup) zucchini
- 1, diced (1 cup) red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric to the pot, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 cup diced zucchini, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup diced red bell pepper and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until lentils are tender. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and season with salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry?
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 coconut oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry?
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 Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry 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.
Is Johnson's Spiced Lentil Curry vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
