Turmeric Coconut Lentil Curry with Spinach
A fragrant, protein-packed curry with earthy turmeric, creamy coconut milk, and fresh spinach, served over fluffy jasmine rice. This Indian-inspired vegetarian recipe (vegan, gluten-free), ready in about 37 minutes, pairs red lentils, coconut milk, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 red lentils
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 3 cups, packed spinach
- 1 lime
- 1 cup, cooked jasmine rice
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Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and golden.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add rinsed lentils and 2 cups water.
- Step 3: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until lentils are tender and soup thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk and 3 cups packed spinach. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and coconut milk is heated through.
- Step 5: Squeeze juice from 1 lime into curry and stir. Season with salt to taste (start with 1/4 tsp).
- Step 6: Serve hot over 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, garnished with extra lime wedges.









