Delicious Curried Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Curried Lentils — a indian recipe (main course) with 12 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

55

Total Time (min)

6

servings

305

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Curried Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Meal

Ingredients

Servings:
6
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Prepare the lentils

    Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.

    This removes excess starch and helps prevent mushiness.
  2. Sauté the aromatics

    In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

    This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and ginger

    Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Incorporate spices

    Add the curry powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat the onions and release the spices' aroma.

    Cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
  5. Combine liquids and lentils

    Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, then add the rinsed lentils. Stir to combine.

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook the lentils

    Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Add spinach

    If using, stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.

    Add lime juice just before serving for a fresh flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, DASH, Dairy-Free. Diet: High-Fiber, Low-Fat

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your indian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Naan bread or basmati rice
🍽️Raita
🍽️Mango chutney

About This Dish

Delicious Curried Lentils Recipe for a Hearty Meal is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 55 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Indian cuisine reflects the country's incredible diversity, with flavors and techniques varying dramatically from north to south, east to west. The masterful use of spices is the hallmark of Indian cooking.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Red lentils cook faster than green or brown.

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Nutrition Facts

6 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat12gg
Sodium300mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber18gg
Total Sugars4gg
Protein15gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineIndian