This vegan lentil curry is absolutely amazing. It's simple, exotic, spicy, tasty, creamy and has an intense coconut flavor. I like to serve it with rice.
I'm in love with this vegan lentil curry, it's my favorite lentil recipe, I eat it almost every week. Besides, it's a super easy and flavorful dish. If you love Indian cuisine as mush as I do, you need to try this awesome lentil curry.
I usually eat lentils with rice, it's a satisfying and nutritious meal, and also a great combination, so delicious! This recipe is diet-friendly, especially if you don't add any oil.
I love coconut milk, it has fat, but if you include it in moderation in a healthy, balanced diet, it's not a problem and you can make it at home, it's so easy, you only need water and coconut (fresh or shredded). Anyway, if you don't like coconut milk or if you prefer a lighter version use water or any other plant milk. The rest of the ingredients are pretty light and nutritious. It's a flavorful recipe because we added so many spices (feel free to add other spices or remove any).
Garam masala is a mixture of spices very popular in Indian cuisine. If you can't find it, just make it at home or use the spices you have on hand. The composition of garam masala differs regionally. The components of the mix are toasted, then ground together. A typical Indian version of garam masala contains: turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds and cardamom pods, but you can also add other spices such as garlic powder, ginger, sesame seeds, mustard seeds, coriander, nutmeg, fennel or cayenne powder.
I eat legumes at least 3 or 4 times a week and I'm always trying new legume recipes. This vegan lentil curry is a staple for me, it's a pretty simple recipe, but it takes time, although it's totally worth it. If you like curry, lentils and coconut, you need to try it.
If you like this vegan lentil curry, check out these lentil recipes: low-fat vegan Shepherd's pie, lentil salad, easy lentil curry and vegan sloppy joes.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it or tag a picture @simpleveganblog on Instagram and hashtag it #simpleveganblog. We'd love to see what you cook!
Love it? Leave a rating!
Vegan Lentil Curry
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked lentils
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ onion
- 16 ounces tomato sauce
- ⅔ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
Instructions
- Cook lentils according to package directions (we cooked them for 40 minutes over medium-high heat). Drain and set aside.
- Cook basmati rice according to package directions. We cooked them for 12 minutes over medium-high heat. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the garlic and the onion (finely chopped) and cook them over medium-high heat until golden brown.
- Add the tomato sauce, coconut milk and spices and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Add cooked lentils, stir and cook for at least 15 or 20 minutes.
- Serve the lentils over the basmati rice. You can add some chopped cilantro on top.
- Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- I like brown lentils, but any type of lentils will do.
- Use your favorite type of rice or even other grains like quinoa or buckwheat.
- If you want to make this recipe oil-free, just sauté the veggies in some water or oil-free broth.
- Chopped tomatoes can be used instead of the tomato sauce.
- If you don't like coconut, add water or any plant milk instead of the coconut milk.
- Use your favorite veggies and spices.
Elisha says
I've tried many curry reciepes and this is my favourite! Simple but really tasty and perfect when you're short of time. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Elisha! Thank you so much 🙂 SO glad you liked it!
Ross says
This recipe is soo easy to follow and it taste so yummy my two little girls love it ,so do I. I can't stop sharing it. Thank you ☺
Iosune says
Hi Ross! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it!
Parth says
Garam masala is a mixture of spice and taste. Composition of Garam masala and curry makes the food even tastier and delicious. If you like semi cooked food then you can also grab few ready to cook curry in the market.
Iosune says
Hi Parth! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Claire says
So delicious and satisfying!!! I added some salt. This will be a dinner staple for sure!
Iosune says
Hi Claire! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Dena says
I made this for dinner tonight, and it was so very delicious. Thanks for the recipe!
Iosune says
Hi Dena! So glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!
val Anderson says
Have just made this recipe and looks delicious. I used tomato sauce but will use fresh tomatoes next time only to cut down on sugar. The tomato sauce version does taste nice as well.
Iosune says
Hi Val! So glad you liked it 🙂 Have a nice day!
Janet says
One of my favourite receipes, I’ve made a few changes, I add fresh ginger, more of all spices & used almond milk. Thanks
Iosune says
Hi Janet! Sounds amazing 🙂 You're so welcome!
Angela Horn says
This curry is is damn delicious. We've made it twice now, both times for friends who aren't vegan and they absolutely loved it. The second time we doubled up on all the spices because our friend is a bit of a curry freak and likes his food hot. It's definitely going to be a staple in our house! Thank you.
Iosune says
Hi Angela! Thanks a lot 😀 So glad you enjoyed the curry!
Alicia says
made this tonight.
we loved it. my whole house smells like an indian restaurant now 🙂 i too doubled all the spices and added some smoked paprika, as i usually do for everything. it was very good. Thank you.
Iosune says
Hi Alicia! So glad you liked it 😀
Sporty says
We made this for a lunch visitor today and OMW! heavenly. I took advice from Stephan's comment and doubled up on the spices. Although there were only 3 of us, there was nothing left when our guest left!
Iosune says
Hi! So glad you liked it so much 😀
Susan Truluck says
Absolutely delicious!
Iosune says
Hi Susan! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Olga says
Thanks for this lovely recipe Iosune, it's delicious ! Quick to whip up and it's a great base to work from based on taste and seasonality, using various veggies. Simple yet efficient 🙂 the ingredients are easy to find and the process is quick and easy, it's a keeper for week nights and impromptu guests. Thanks a lot!
Iosune says
Hi Olga! You're so welcome 🙂 I'm so glad you liked it!
geet says
great! will certainly try this and share the details. cheers!
Iosune says
Hi Geet! Hope you enjoy it 🙂