Lentil and Vegetable Curry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A wholesome curry made with half a cup of red lentils simmered with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices for a comforting vegetarian meal. This Indian-inspired curry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs red lentils, carrot, potato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 3, 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

• 1/2 cup red lentils
• 1 medium, diced carrot
• 1 medium, diced potato
• 1 small, chopped onion
• 2, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp, minced ginger
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and toast until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Step 2: Add 1 small chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp minced ginger. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp curry powder and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute until spices release aroma.
4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup red lentils, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced potato, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1 tsp salt, continue simmering for 10 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and curry thickens.
6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving with rice or flatbread.