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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Red Lentil Curry

    Published: Apr 15, 2020 · Updated: May 5, 2022 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 7 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pin for red lentil curry.

    This red lentil curry recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Nourishing, spicy, and packed with flavor, this comfort meal is made with easy pantry ingredients and comes together in less than 45 minutes.

    Bowl of coconut curry with fresh cilantro on top.

    If you’re looking for a hearty meal and only have limited ingredients, including red lentils, in your pantry, you're going to love this curry. Filling lentils are simmered in a creamy sauce made with tomatoes, coconut milk, onion, and spices.

    This lentil curry tastes great on its own as a soup, scooped up with pieces of naan or baguette, or over a bed of rice.

    How to make red lentil curry

    Detailed ingredient measurements, instructions, and notes can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Here is a summary:

    1. Cook onions, garlic, and ginger: In a big pot, warm oil on medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and cook on medium-low heat until the onion starts to appear translucent and smells fragrant.

    2. Add the spices: Stir in the jalapeño, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and cook for a minute until it becomes fragrant.

    3. Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the red lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook covered, stirring frequently, until the lentils are soft and tender, about 25 minutes. Add more water, if needed, to adjust consistency.

    Pot with red lentils and diced tomatoes.

    4. Add lime juice and cilantro: Turn off the heat completely and add the lime juice and fresh cilantro to the curry. The lime juice adds tanginess to the dish while the cilantro adds more flavor.

    Cooked curry in the pot.

    5. Serve and enjoy: If you want to save it for later, be sure to completely cool down the red lentil curry before storing it.

    Close-up of red lentil curry.

    Best ways to serve

    Here are a few ways to serve the red lentils:

    Soup: This lentil curry can be enjoyed on its own as a soup. I’d suggest topping it with more fresh chopped cilantro and a drizzle of coconut milk.

    With a grain: Serve over rice, such as Basmati rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice, Alternatively, serve over quinoa.

    With naan: Enjoy with naan which is a fluffy Indian flatbread and can be made at home or purchased in many grocery stores.

    Topping for bowl: I love adding it to a vegan power bowl.

    Storing for later

    Fridge: If stored in a glass airtight container in the fridge, the red lentil curry will last up to 3 days.

    Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop when ready to serve.

    Freeze: Cook the curry completely before storing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and reheat.

    Bowl of red lentil. curry with a glass of iced water next to it.

    More easy dinner recipes

    • Coconut Chickpea Curry
    • Easy Black Bean Soup
    • Chana Masala
    • Cauliflower Tikka Masala

    I hope you love this red lentil curry recipe as much as I do. Sign up for email updates to get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

    Bowl of coconut red lentil curry with fresh cilantro on top.

    Red Lentil Curry

    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Cook time: 30 minutes
    Total time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 284kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    This red lentil curry recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. Nourishing, spicy, and packed with flavor, this comfort meal is made with easy pantry ingredients and comes together in less than 45 minutes.

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons oil, I used avocado oil
    • ½ medium onion, finelly diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ inch ginger, minced
    • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
    • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
    • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • Pinch of cayenne, optional
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
    • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
    • 3 cups water, or vegetable broth
    • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
    • ½ lime, juiced, more to taste
    • ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

    Instructions

    • Cook onions, garlic, and ginger: In a big pot, warm oil on medium-low heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and cook on medium-low heat until the onion starts to appear translucent and smells fragrant.
    • Add the spices: Stir in the jalapeño, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and cook for a minute until it becomes fragrant.
    • Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the red lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook covered, stirring frequently, until the lentils are soft and tender, about 25 minutes. Add more water, if needed, to adjust consistency.
    • Add lime juice and cilantro: Turn off the heat completely and add the lime juice and fresh cilantro to the curry. The lime juice adds tanginess to the dish while the cilantro adds more flavor.
    • Serve and enjoy: If you want to save it for later, be sure to completely cool down the red lentil curry before storing it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 284kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Sodium: 405mg, Potassium: 454mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 246IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 5mg
    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Indian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!

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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim Altman says

      April 04, 2021 at 10:15 am

      This recipe is absolutely delicious! The spices are perfect in bringing this dish alive. This will definitely be a staple in my kitchen. Fabulous!!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        June 14, 2021 at 6:55 pm

        Thanks, Kim! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    2. Tawnie Kroll says

      April 21, 2020 at 6:04 pm

      I have been looking for a curry recipe and I am so happy I found your recipe, cannot wait to try! Thank you! xo5 stars

      Reply
    3. Rebecca says

      April 21, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      I love how easy this recipe is, curry can seem intimidating but you make it look totally doable! thanks5 stars

      Reply
    4. Biana says

      April 21, 2020 at 5:26 pm

      This recipe looks so vibrant! I love lentils, and will be making this soon -- perfect as a main dish or side dish!5 stars

      Reply
    5. Jeannette says

      April 21, 2020 at 4:24 pm

      This is my FAVOURITE thing to eat when I want a vegetarian curry! I love all the spices you've added for extra flavour and I know I'll be trying this out soon!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Krissy Allori says

      April 21, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      I love lentils! I really don't make them enough. This recipe sounds like the perfect way to start eating them again. Thanks!5 stars

      Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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