Taro Root and Lentil Curry

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

Earthy taro root simmered in a fragrant curry with red lentils and turmeric, finished with fresh cilantro. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs taro root, red lentils, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice taro root into 1/2-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Finely chop shallot and grate ginger.
  2. Step 2: Heat neutral oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté shallot and ginger for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add curry powder and turmeric, stirring for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add taro, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes until taro is tender and lentils are soft.
  4. Step 4: Stir in coconut milk and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Taro Root and Lentil Curry take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Taro Root 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 taro root from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taro Root 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 Taro Root 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.

What goes well with Taro Root and Lentil Curry?

Asian vegetarian 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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