Name: The BEST Easy Red Lentil Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon curry powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes; 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this red lentil curry because it’s quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and budget-friendly. The red lentils cook fast, making it ideal for weeknights when I want something warm and nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever veggies or toppings I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Red lentils (dry, rinsed)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
Coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
Vegetable broth or water
Olive oil or coconut oil
Curry powder
Ground cumin
Ground turmeric
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, I heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
I add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
I stir in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, letting the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
I add the red lentils, canned tomatoes, coconut milk, and broth. I stir everything well and bring it to a simmer.
I reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and the curry thickens. I season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the curry is too thick, I stir in a splash of water or broth to reach my desired consistency.
I serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Preparation time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, making a total time of 35 minutes.

Variations

Add Veggies: I like adding chopped spinach, kale, bell peppers, or carrots for extra texture and nutrition.
Spice it Up: I sometimes add a chopped green chili or more red pepper flakes for added heat.
Protein Boost: I occasionally stir in chickpeas or tofu for more protein.
Lemon Swap: If I don’t have lime, I use lemon juice for the finishing touch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. I add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—perfect for batch cooking.

FAQs

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?

I stick with red lentils for this recipe because they cook faster and become creamy, but green or brown lentils can work if I increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but I can easily increase the heat with more red pepper flakes or fresh chili. It’s very customizable.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, I sauté the aromatics using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes with a quick release.

Can I skip coconut milk?

If I want a lighter curry, I substitute coconut milk with more broth and stir in a bit of plain yogurt or cashew cream at the end for creaminess.

What should I serve with red lentil curry?

I usually serve it with basmati rice, brown rice, or warm naan. A side of cucumber raita or a simple salad also pairs nicely.

Conclusion

This Easy Red Lentil Curry is a go-to recipe in my kitchen when I want something comforting, quick, and packed with bold flavors. It’s hearty, healthy, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for a cozy night in or meal prep for the week. With minimal effort and ingredients, it delivers maximum satisfaction every time.