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Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Coconut Curry

This delicious and wholesome Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Coconut Curry is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for colder days or a satisfying vegetarian option.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 13.5 ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1 large bell pepper
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat; add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant while being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add rinsed lentils, diced carrots, and diced bell pepper to the pot, stirring well to combine.
  6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and vegetables are cooked, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
  8. Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste for optimal flavor.
  9. Ladle the curry over cooked brown rice or quinoa and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra protein, you can add cooked chicken or chickpeas to the curry during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Serve with a side of naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.