Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Simple and Satisfying Dish

Name: Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 can coconut milk (400ml); 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 2 tablespoons olive oil; to taste salt and pepper; for garnish fresh cilantro

October 31, 2025October 30, 2025 by Rachel

Looking for a warm, hearty dish that’s easy to make? This Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry checks all the boxes! With simple ingredients like red lentils and coconut milk, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. I’ll guide you through each step, from cooking to storage tips. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this flavorful, creamy delight that’s perfect for any occasion!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This creamy coconut lentil curry can be made in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Nutritious and Filling: Red lentils provide a great source of protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied and healthy.
Versatile: This curry is easily customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to your liking.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of coconut milk and red curry paste creates a rich, flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed

– 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

– 1 medium tomato, chopped

– 2 tablespoons red curry paste

– 2 cups vegetable broth

– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

To make this creamy coconut lentil curry, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Red lentils are the star here. They cook fast and add a nice texture. Coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy taste.

You will also need a medium onion, some garlic, and ginger. These add depth to the flavor. A fresh tomato brings a nice acidity that balances the creaminess.

Red curry paste adds spice. It is easy to find in stores. You also need vegetable broth to cook the lentils. Turmeric and cumin seeds add warmth and aroma.

Olive oil helps sauté the onions and spices. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh cilantro is great for garnishing. It adds a pop of color and freshness.

Gather these ingredients to create a warm, comforting dish. You will enjoy how each ingredient plays a part in making this curry special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Heating the olive oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step helps build flavor for your curry.

2. Sautéing onions and spices: Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This will release a lovely aroma. Next, add 1 medium diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear.

3. Incorporating curry ingredients: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Cook for another minute to bring out their flavors. Then, add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix everything well and cook for 2 more minutes. Then, add 1 chopped tomato and cook until it starts to break down, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Cooking Process

1. Simmering the curry: Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, then pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of coconut milk. Mix it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer.

2. Adjusting consistency: Lower the heat and let the curry simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. The lentils should become soft, and the curry should thicken. If it gets too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired thickness.

Final Touches

1. Garnishing and serving suggestions: Once the curry is ready, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can enjoy this dish over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, add a slice of lime on the side.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– How to properly rinse lentils

Rinsing lentils is a key step. Place them in a fine-mesh strainer. Run cold water over them. Swirl them around gently. This removes dirt and any small stones. It also helps to reduce foam while cooking.

– Optimal spice adjustments

Spice levels can change the flavor. Start with the recipe’s suggested amounts. Taste as you cook. If you like it spicier, add more red curry paste. For a milder curry, reduce the amount of curry paste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Presentation Tips

– Best serving dishes

Use deep bowls for serving. They hold the curry better. Plus, they look nice on the table. If you want a fun touch, use coconut shells. This adds to the tropical vibe.

– Garnishing ideas

Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. You can also add a slice of lime for a zesty kick. Another option is to add toasted coconut flakes for crunch.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your curry. Always check the freshness of your spices, as old spices can lose their potency.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier curry, consider adding fresh chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Let it Rest: Allowing your curry to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together. This is especially true if you can let it rest for an hour or so before serving.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and color. They can be added in the last few minutes of cooking to retain their texture.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients

You can change the lentils you use. Red lentils cook fast and get soft. You can try green or brown lentils too. They take longer to cook but add a nice bite. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

Adding veggies makes the curry more colorful and healthy. You can add spinach, carrots, or bell peppers. Just chop them small and toss them in when the lentils simmer. For protein, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the flavors well.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to add a fresh twist? Citrus is a great option. Squeeze in some lime juice before serving. It brightens the dish and adds zing.

You can also switch up the curry paste. Each type has a unique taste. Use green curry paste for a spicier kick. Yellow curry paste gives a milder flavor. Experiment to find your favorite!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftover creamy coconut lentil curry, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep the curry in the fridge for up to five days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well and check if it needs more liquid. If it’s too thick, add a little vegetable broth or water.

Freezing

Freezing the curry is a great option if you want to save some for later. Start by letting the curry cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for the curry to expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water for a smooth texture.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long does creamy coconut lentil curry last?

Creamy coconut lentil curry lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container for best results. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Can I make this curry ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this curry ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors have time to blend. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners. Pair it with rice or naan for a full meal.

What side dishes pair well with creamy coconut lentil curry?

This curry pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed rice

– Quinoa

– Naan bread

– Fresh salad

– Roasted vegetables

These sides complement the curry’s rich flavors and add texture to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings!

This blog post shared a simple recipe for creamy coconut lentil curry. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and essential tips. I provided variations and storage advice to make meal prep easy. This dish is tasty, healthy, and versatile.

Remember, you can adjust flavors and enjoy it your way. Whether you serve it fresh or freeze the leftovers, this recipe is a winner. I hope you feel confident to try it toda

$- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed - 1 can (400ml) coconut milk - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, minced - 1 medium tomato, chopped - 2 tablespoons red curry paste - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish To make this creamy coconut lentil curry, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Red lentils are the star here. They cook fast and add a nice texture. Coconut milk gives it a rich, creamy taste. You will also need a medium onion, some garlic, and ginger. These add depth to the flavor. A fresh tomato brings a nice acidity that balances the creaminess. Red curry paste adds spice. It is easy to find in stores. You also need vegetable broth to cook the lentils. Turmeric and cumin seeds add warmth and aroma. Olive oil helps sauté the onions and spices. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh cilantro is great for garnishing. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Gather these ingredients to create a warm, comforting dish. You will enjoy how each ingredient plays a part in making this curry special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heating the olive oil: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This step helps build flavor for your curry. 2. Sautéing onions and spices: Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds. This will release a lovely aroma. Next, add 1 medium diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. 3. Incorporating curry ingredients: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Cook for another minute to bring out their flavors. Then, add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix everything well and cook for 2 more minutes. Then, add 1 chopped tomato and cook until it starts to break down, about 3 to 4 minutes. 1. Simmering the curry: Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed red lentils, then pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and 1 can of coconut milk. Mix it all together and bring it to a gentle simmer. 2. Adjusting consistency: Lower the heat and let the curry simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. The lentils should become soft, and the curry should thicken. If it gets too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired thickness. 1. Garnishing and serving suggestions: Once the curry is ready, season it with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. You can enjoy this dish over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, add a slice of lime on the side. - How to properly rinse lentils Rinsing lentils is a key step. Place them in a fine-mesh strainer. Run cold water over them. Swirl them around gently. This removes dirt and any small stones. It also helps to reduce foam while cooking. - Optimal spice adjustments Spice levels can change the flavor. Start with the recipe's suggested amounts. Taste as you cook. If you like it spicier, add more red curry paste. For a milder curry, reduce the amount of curry paste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance flavors. - Best serving dishes Use deep bowls for serving. They hold the curry better. Plus, they look nice on the table. If you want a fun touch, use coconut shells. This adds to the tropical vibe. - Garnishing ideas Fresh cilantro adds color and flavor. Sprinkle it on top just before serving. You can also add a slice of lime for a zesty kick. Another option is to add toasted coconut flakes for crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices can significantly enhance the flavor of your curry. Always check the freshness of your spices, as old spices can lose their potency. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier curry, consider adding fresh chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. Let it Rest: Allowing your curry to sit for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together. This is especially true if you can let it rest for an hour or so before serving. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and color. They can be added in the last few minutes of cooking to retain their texture. {{image_2}} You can change the lentils you use. Red lentils cook fast and get soft. You can try green or brown lentils too. They take longer to cook but add a nice bite. Just adjust cooking time as needed. Adding veggies makes the curry more colorful and healthy. You can add spinach, carrots, or bell peppers. Just chop them small and toss them in when the lentils simmer. For protein, try chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the flavors well. Want to add a fresh twist? Citrus is a great option. Squeeze in some lime juice before serving. It brightens the dish and adds zing. You can also switch up the curry paste. Each type has a unique taste. Use green curry paste for a spicier kick. Yellow curry paste gives a milder flavor. Experiment to find your favorite! To store leftover creamy coconut lentil curry, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep the curry in the fridge for up to five days. When you want to eat it, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well and check if it needs more liquid. If it’s too thick, add a little vegetable broth or water. Freezing the curry is a great option if you want to save some for later. Start by letting the curry cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for the curry to expand as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water for a smooth texture. How long does creamy coconut lentil curry last? Creamy coconut lentil curry lasts about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep it in a sealed container for best results. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Can I make this curry ahead of time? Yes, you can make this curry ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors have time to blend. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners. Pair it with rice or naan for a full meal. What side dishes pair well with creamy coconut lentil curry? This curry pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Naan bread - Fresh salad - Roasted vegetables These sides complement the curry's rich flavors and add texture to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! This blog post shared a simple recipe for creamy coconut lentil curry. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and essential tips. I provided variations and storage advice to make meal prep easy. This dish is tasty, healthy, and versatile. Remember, you can adjust flavors and enjoy it your way. Whether you serve it fresh or freeze the leftovers, this recipe is a winner. I hope you feel confident to try it today!$