Slow Cooker Indian-Spiced Lentil and Tomato Curry
A comforting slow-cooked lentil curry simmered with tomatoes and warm Indian spices, perfect served over rice or with naan. This Indian-inspired curry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 375 minutes, pairs red lentils, diced tomatoes, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 red lentils
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh, grated ginger
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Slow cookers worth buying for this → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground turmeric, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp salt until well mixed.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils are tender and curry is thickened.
- Step 4: 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1/2 cup coconut milk to add richness and creaminess. Adjust salt to taste.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving alongside steamed basmati rice or warm naan bread.








