Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious)

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

A protein-packed curry with aromatic spices and wholesome lentils. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 60 minutes pairs lentils, coconut milk, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté coconut oil in a pot, then add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in grated ginger and curry powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until softened, then stir in lentils and 1 L vegetable broth.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in coconut milk and simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice or naan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious) take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious)?

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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious)?

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 Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious) 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 Vegan Lentil Curry (Most Nutritious) 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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