One-Pot Spiced Tomato and Lentil Curry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-16 · Updated 2026-06-16

A hearty and comforting Indian-inspired lentil curry made in one pot with warming spices and rich tomato sauce. This Indian-inspired curry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, rinsed, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• for serving lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Add 1 tsp salt and stir well.
5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and curry has thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.