Serious Spiced Lentil Curry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A wholesome, spiced lentil curry simmered to a thick, aromatic sauce with coconut milk. This indian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 80 minutes pairs lentils, coconut milk, onions 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.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium-high heat. Sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp turmeric, stirring until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup lentils, and 1 can coconut milk. Stir in 1/2 cup water to adjust consistency.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until lentils are tender and sauce is thickened.
  5. Step 5: Stir in additional 1/2 cup water if needed, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Spiced Lentil Curry take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 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 Serious 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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Serious 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 Serious 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.

What goes well with Serious Spiced Lentil Curry?

Indian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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