Easy Lentil Curry Recipe | Flavorful and Delicious

If you're craving a delicious and hearty lentil curry, this recipe is perfect for you. In a large pot or Dutch oven, start by sautéing a finely chopped onion in a drizzle of olive oil. Add freshly grated ginger and garlic for a burst of flavors, and let them fry for another minute. Toast the spices, including curry powder, cumin seeds, red pepper flakes, coriander, turmeric powder, and black pepper, until you can smell their amazing aroma. Next, add vegetable broth and a can of crushed tomatoes to the pot. Rinse the red lentils and add them as well. Season with salt and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost done. Meanwhile, prepare basmati rice to serve alongside the curry. Once the lentils are almost cooked, add coconut milk to the pot and stir well. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring the lentils are fully cooked. To enhance the flavors, add garam masala and gently stir until fully incorporated. Serve the lentil curry with fragrant basmati rice, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of cilantro or parsley for a refreshing touch. Enjoy this easy lentil curry recipe that is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. It's a delightful and comforting dish that will please your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Don't miss out on this flavorful culinary experience!

Ingredients:

  1. Olive oil
  2. 1 onion, finely chopped
  3. Freshly grated ginger (to taste)
  4. Freshly grated garlic (to taste)
  5. Curry powder
  6. Cumin seeds or ground cumin
  7. Red pepper flakes
  8. Ground coriander (optional)
  9. Turmeric powder (optional)
  10. Black pepper
  11. Vegetable broth
  12. 1 can of crushed tomatoes
  13. 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  14. Salt
  15. 1 can coconut milk
  16. Garam masala
  17. Basmati rice
  18. Lemon slices (for serving)
  19. Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for serving)

Cooking steps:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion in a drizzle of olive oil until translucent.
  • Add freshly grated ginger and garlic to the pot and fry for another minute.
  • Toast the spices, including curry powder, cumin seeds, red pepper flakes, ground coriander, turmeric powder (if desired), and black pepper, on low heat for about a minute or until fragrant.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth and add a can of crushed tomatoes to the pot.
  • Rinse the red lentils and add them to the mixture. Season with salt and let it cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost cooked.
  • While the lentils are cooking, prepare basmati rice separately according to package instructions.
  • Once the lentils are almost done, pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the lentils are fully cooked.
  • Add garam masala to enhance the flavor of the curry. Stir gently until fully incorporated.
  • Serve the lentil curry with basmati rice and garnish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.