Turmeric-Spiced Lentil Curry with Coconut Milk

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-06 · Updated 2026-08-06

A vibrant and creamy Indian-inspired red lentil curry infused with turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal. This Indian-inspired curry recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, vegetable broth, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 red lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder. Cook spices with onion mixture for 1 minute until aromatic.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup coconut milk to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and curry has thickened.
5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.