Patel's Turmeric Lentil & Spinach Curry

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-07 · Updated 2026-04-07

A vibrant, protein-rich curry with golden lentils and fresh spinach. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe (vegan), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs brown lentils, coconut milk, spinach 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, rinsed brown lentils
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups, packed spinach
• 1 large, finely diced onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1.5 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1, juiced lime

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tsp cumin seeds in a large pot over medium heat until they pop (about 30 seconds). Add 1 large finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and golden, stirring frequently.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1.5 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp ground coriander, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1.5 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz). Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups packed spinach and cook uncovered for 3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and stir in 1 lime juiced to brighten the flavors.
5. Step 5: Season with salt to taste and serve immediately with basmati rice.