Delicious Red Lentil Curry Recipe - Easy and Flavorful

Red Lentil Curry — a indian recipe (main course) with 19 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

45

Total Time (min)

4

servings

452

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Red Lentil Curry Recipe - Easy and Flavorful

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

8 steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

    Make sure not to brown the onions.
  2. Add Garlic and Ginger

    Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

    Keep stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Incorporate Spices

    Add curry powder, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute.

    This helps to bloom the spices.
  4. Add Lentils and Liquids

    Pour in the red lentils, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir to combine.

    Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer the Curry

    Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Spinach and Lime

    Stir in chopped spinach and lime juice, cooking for another 5 minutes.

    The spinach will wilt quickly.
  7. Adjust Seasoning

    Taste and adjust seasoning, adding cayenne pepper if desired.

    Serve warm with rice or bread.
  8. Garnish and Serve

    Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

    Enjoy with naan or rice for a complete meal.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free. Diet: Balanced, High-Fiber

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 Red Lentil Curry Recipe - Easy and Flavorful is a beloved dish from Indian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 45 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 15 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

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories320kcal
Total Fat16gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates45gg
Dietary Fiber12gg
Total Sugars5gg
Protein12gg

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

Recipe Details

CuisineIndian