Spiced Lentil and Coconut Curry

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

A fragrant, creamy curry made with red lentils, coconut milk, and warming spices, perfect for a cozy meal. This indian-inspired vegan ready in about 70 minutes pairs red lentils, (14 oz) coconut milk, medium, diced onion 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté diced onion for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric, cumin, and 1/4 cup vegetable broth, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup red lentils and 2 cups vegetable broth, then add coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil and Coconut Curry take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 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 Spiced Lentil and Coconut 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 red lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lentil and Coconut 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 Spiced Lentil and Coconut 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 Spiced Lentil and Coconut 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.

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