Quick & Creamy Lentil Curry

A 15-minute one-pan lentil curry simmered in a rich tomato and coconut sauce packed with warm spices.

This easy one-pan 15-minute dish is full of flavour, creamy texture, and packed with plant-based protein! Perfect for busy weeknights, canned brown or red lentils are simmered in a velvety coconut milk and tomato sauce seasoned with smoked paprika, curry powder, and cumin.

Quick & Creamy Lentil Curry, a South African recipe
Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
Serves4
LevelEasy
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Before you start

Get your mise en place ready so nothing catches you out mid-cook.

Method

  1. 1

    Sauté Aromatics & Bloom Spices

    Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 2 finely chopped shallots, 2 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 thumb-sized piece of grated ginger, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and soft.

  2. 2

    Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, and ½ tsp salt, cooking for 30 seconds until aromatic.

  3. 3

    Stir through 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavour.

The rest of this recipe

There's 8 more ingredients and 4 more steps to go.

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Ivana’s note

Using pre-cooked tinned lentils keeps this recipe under 15 minutes without sacrificing depth or flavour!

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