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Shot of one pan coconut lentil curry garnished with coconut cream and cilantro, and served with a side of rice.

One Pan Coconut Lentil Curry

Ashley
This One Pan Coconut Lentil Curry recipe is hearty, flavorful, and loaded with warming spices -- perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meal prep. With tender lentils simmered in coconut milk, vibrant spinach, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a plant-based meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan for easy cleanup!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Lunch/Dinner, Main, Main Course, Meal Prep, Vegan
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, or any neutral oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • 1 cup dry green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • Juice of 1 small lemon
  • Minced cilantro, for garnish, optional
  • White rice or vegan-friendly naan, for serving, optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the ginger and garlic and continue to cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add the curry powder, cumin, salt, pepper, turmeric and cayenne powder. Whisk for 30 seconds to 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Stir in the lentils, broth, and coconut milk, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil.
  • Once at a light boil, reduce heat to medium-low, then cover and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are softened and the liquid has thickened.
  • Working in batches, stir in the spinach until all of it is incorporated.
  • Add the fresh lemon juice and continue to cook while stirring until the spinach is slightly wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
  • Serve over rice or with naan, garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Video

Keyword creamy lentil curry, easy coconut lentil curry, lentil curry recipe, one pan coconut lentil curry, one pot lentil curry, plant-based curry recipe, spinach lentil curry
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