Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea Curry

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

A creamy, spiced lentil and chickpea curry, cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with warming spices for a comforting plant-based dish. This indian-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs dry brown lentils, canned, drained chickpeas, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add lentils, chickpeas, curry powder, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in coconut milk and cashew puree. Cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea Curry take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea 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 dry brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea 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 Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea Curry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Timeless Vegan Lentil and Chickpea Curry?

Indian vegan 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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