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Coconut Lentil Curry

A creamy, warming curry made with simple pantry staples - red lentils, coconut milk, and fragrant spices that transforms into a protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cumin to the pot. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until the spices become aromatic and slightly darker.
  3. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The curry is ready when lentils are tender and the consistency coats the back of a spoon. Add salt to taste.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Perfect for meal prep - doubles easily and freezes beautifully. Don't skip rinsing lentils to avoid gummy texture. Avoid high heat after adding coconut milk to prevent curdling. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed. Can substitute red lentils with green (add 10 minutes cooking time) or use light coconut milk though it reduces creaminess.