One-Pot Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry Ready in 30 Minutes
This one-pot creamy coconut lentil curry comes together in just 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. It is rich, warming, and completely vegan.
By AmeliaUpdated 
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Use the visual cues in the instructions and adjust seasoning to taste.
Method
Soften the Onion
Heat the oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges.
Add Garlic, Ginger and Spices
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Then add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Stir everything together and cook for another minute so the spices toast lightly in the oil.
Add Lentils, Tomatoes and Liquids
Pour in the rinsed red lentils, canned diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable stock. Stir well to combine everything and add the salt.
Simmer Until Lentils Are Tender
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring the bottom of the pot every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the lentils are completely soft and the curry has thickened to a creamy consistency.
Finish and Season
Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt as needed. If the curry is thicker than you like, stir in a splash of warm water or stock.
Serve
Ladle into bowls over basmati rice or with warm flatbread. Top with fresh coriander and a spoonful of coconut yogurt if you have it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?
You can, but the texture will be different. Green and brown lentils hold their shape and do not break down the same way, so the curry will be chunkier and less creamy. You will also need to add an extra 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time and probably more liquid.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your spice blends and canned goods if you have a serious intolerance, as some brands process in facilities that handle gluten.
My curry turned out too thick. What do I do?
Just add warm water or vegetable stock a splash at a time and stir it through over low heat. Lentils absorb a lot as they cool, so this is completely normal. It does not mean anything went wrong.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Saute the onion, garlic, and spices in a pan first if you can as it makes a real difference to the flavour, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for six to seven hours or high for three to four hours. Stir in the coconut milk in the last 30 minutes.
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