If you’re looking for a hearty, plant-based dinner full of flavor and nutrition, try Vegetarian Lentil Curry. Lentil stew is a comforting dish with a rich, aromatic spice, coconut milk, and fresh vegetable blend to make this meal hearty enough to keep you full and energized.
Packed with lentils, a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron and folate, this recipe makes for a nutritious meal for vegetarians and those looking to have more meatless meals. Plus, thanks to the warm, aromatic spices packed into it — cumin, turmeric and garam masala — this curry is a flavor tour de force that tastes indulgent yet feels so wholesome.
The best thing about this Vegetarian Lentil Curry being great for busy weeknights is its simplicity. You can assemble a healthy, delicious dinner in less than an hour with one pot, no fuss and readily available ingredients. It’s also highly flexible — you can throw in défis or ramp up the spiciness level to your liking.
Whether you serve it with rice or naan or enjoy it on its own, this lentil curry is the ultimate comfort food you’ll want to make again and again!
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What Makes Vegetarian Lentil Curry a Perfect Dinner Option?
Vegetarian Lentil Curry is a go-to for a healthy, hearty, simple dinner. While hearty lentils are combined with a fragrant mix of spices and vegetables, making each bite a celebration of flavor and nutrition. It’s a one-pot dish as satisfying as it is easy to make, a perfect answer to busy weeknights.
The lentils, the star of the dish, are a nutritional powerhouse. They’re packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber and key minerals like iron, magnesium and folate. As a result, the meal is excellent for vegetarians, vegans, or just those who want to add more of those meals to their plate. And the curry’s intense flavors — buoyed by spices such as cumin, turmeric and garam masala — utterly comfort everyone.
The Health Benefits of Vegetarian Lentil Curry
One of the biggest advantages of making Vegetarian Lentil Curry is its health benefits. Here’s what makes this dish a nutritious choice:
- Rich in Plant-Based Protein: Lentils are an excellent protein source, so this curry is a great meal for vegetarians or vegans. Protein is crucial for muscle repair, immune work, and overall health.
- High in Dietary Fiber: The lentils and veg fill you with plenty of fiber, which helps with digestion, stabilizes blood sugar levels and makes you feel fuller for longer.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Turmeric and cumin contain various antioxidants that fight inflammation and promote general well-being. Turmeric mainly contains curcumin, which is praised for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Heart-Healthy Ingredients: Being legumes, lentils are essentially low-fat and cholesterol-free, and using healthy oils such as olive or coconut oil gives this dish added blood pressure-fighting properties.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This curry is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities.
Why Lentils Are a Super-food
Lentils are a go-to vegetarian ingredient for a reason — they’re nourishing, versatile and inexpensive. Lentils are packed with protein, complex carbohydrates and key micro nutrients in a single serving. They are also:
- Economic: Lentils are among the cheapest ways to source protein, so this recipe is excellent for those looking to keep their grocery spend down without sacrificing nutrition.
- Sustainable: Lentils are also considered sustainable because they fall lower on the environmental impact scale than meat.
- Quick-Cooking: Lentils tend to cook faster than most legumes do — especially red or yellow lentils, used in cuisines, such as you’d find in curries.
Vegetarian Lentil Curry recipe From OoohDelish!
Vegetarian Lentil Curry Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Spices:
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the diced onion and sweat for 3-4 minutes to soften. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Stir the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, paprika and chili powder (if using) into the pot. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices and their flavors.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Add the red lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer: Add the mixture to a boil, then bring the heat down to low, letting it cook for 20-25 minutes, mixing occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the curry thickens.
- Add Vegetables (Optional): If using carrots, spinach or peas, add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they'll be tender but not mushy.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper.
For a richer curry, use full-fat coconut milk.
Enjoy your flavorful and nutritious Vegetarian Lentil Curry!Flavorful and Versatile: Customize Your Vegetarian Lentil Curry
One of the best things about Vegetarian Lentil Curry is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit your taste preferences and make it unique every time you cook it.
- Choose Your Vegetables: For more flavor and nutrition, you can add other vegetables like spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini or bell peppers. You can even use frozen vegetables — for convenience.
- Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat by using less chili powder or fresh chilies. For a milder curry, tone down the spice and make it mildly sweet with coconut milk or a little sugar.
- Experiment with Toppings: Top your curry with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or a dollop of plant-based yogurt for added freshness and creaminess.
Why Vegetarian Lentil Curry Is Perfect for Easy Dinner Ideas
It’s undoubtedly an easy and practical meal and earns its spot in the “Easy Dinner Ideas” section. With a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh or frozen vegetables, and a few warm spices, you can have a dish that seems indulgent but so easy to make.
It’s a one-pot recipe, which translates to fewer dishes to wash, and the cooking process is simple, even for novices. So, if you are a working professional, a busy student or a stay-at-home mom whose life is filled with millions of things to do, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Vegetarian Lentil Curry is meal-prep-friendly, stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and freezes beautifully. Reheat it for a quick lunch or dinner; it tastes just as delicious—if not better—after the flavors have had time to meld.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Everyone
Vegetarian lentil curry isn’t just a meal; it’s a hearty and healthy decision, and this recipe proves there’s no reason to compromise flavor for health and sustainability. Its robust, warming flavors and versatility make it a go-to for anyone craving a hearty and wholesome dinner.
That makes it an easy dinner idea because it takes your everyday cooking routine and makes it more manageable without skimping on flavor, nutrition or quality. This curry is a recipe you will return to over and over, whether you are new to plant-based cooking and just dipping a toe in or a passionate home cook with years of experience.
So grab your lentils, spices, and vegetables, and prepare to dig into a simple yet delicious and healthy dinner suitable for any day of the week!
FAQs : Vegetarian Lentil Curry
How to cook lentil curry?
To cook lentil curry, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil. Add spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for flavor. Mix in red or green lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable or chicken broth. Simmer until the lentils are tender, and finish with coconut milk or cream for a rich texture.
How to make lentil curry?
Making lentil curry is simple! Begin by heating oil in a pot and cooking onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir in your favorite spices and lentils. Add tomatoes, broth, and let the mixture simmer until the lentils are soft. Customize with vegetables or herbs, and serve over rice or with naan.
Can you freeze lentil curry?
Yes, lentil curry freezes well! Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
A Couple Cooks Lentil Curry?
A Couple Cooks’ Lentil Curry is a flavorful, plant-based dish made with red lentils, creamy coconut milk, and vibrant spices. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Check their website for the full recipe details.
Share Your Twist!
We’d love to hear your version of the Vegetarian Lentil Curry ! What special ingredients or techniques do you use to make it uniquely yours? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals!
References
Try our recipes from OoohDelish!