One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Lentil Curry
A hearty, protein-packed lentil curry simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting one-pot meal. This indian-inspired new year (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup rinsed red lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- 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 soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
- Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 cup rinsed red lentils, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and curry thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Lentil Curry take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Spicy Tomato and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Tomato and 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 One-Pot Spicy Tomato and 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 One-Pot Spicy Tomato and Lentil Curry vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cozy night in. The tomato base is amazing.
- ★★★★★
A wonderful dish to start the new year with. Flavorful and healthy!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! My kids devoured this curry. So easy to make in one pot.
