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.
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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.
Court says
Thank you for this delicious recipe, me, my children 1+3 and partner love it! Peace and love from the highlands of Scotland
Iosune says
Hi Court! Thank YOU for your comment 🙂 I love the highlands, it's such a beautiful place to live!
Court says
All these years later and I’m still making this lovely curry regularly. Tonight we’re adding in some peas but apart from that it’s perfect the way it is ❤️So great that it lasts for a few days, we add it into pastry and make little pasties after a couple of days to use up what’s left, the flavours get even better by the day. Thanks again! I hope 2022 has treated you well and I hope 2023 treats you even better 😊
Jackie says
Yum yum yum! One of the best recipes ever! Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Jackie! You're so welcome 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Hayley Bazina says
Yum. I added a pinch of chilli flakes, and cumin seeds - totally delish!
Iosune says
Hi Hayley! Sounds great 🙂
Ada says
I've used this recipe for two events at work - a retirement party, (about 100 people) and a special graduation award party (about 80 people) - and it was a hit! Everyone loved it. I like it just the way it is. People have asked me for the recipe both occasions. One friend asked for the recipe and later said that it has become a family recipe. She made one modification - added some salt. Can't say enough about how wonderful this recipe is. It's definitely a keeper! Where can I find more? Thanks! Ada
Iosune says
Hi Ada! I'm so glad to hear that 🙂 Thanks a lot for you comment. Have a nice day!
Janet says
My all time favourite recipe. I add fresh ginger as well. serve it over cauliflower. Delicious!!!! Thanks for sharing recipe.
Iosune says
Hi Janet! I'm so happy to hear that 🙂 You're so welcome!
Sanqual says
Why do you cook the lentils 40 mins over the instructed time. Is it for a smoother texture?
Iosune says
Hi Sanqual! We cooked the lentils just 40 minutes from scratch 🙂
Nejc says
Super delicious, I use a bit less garam masala since I don’t like the cinnamon heavy taste in my curry, otherwise it’s perfect 🙂
I also don’t use oil so I just put onions on the baking sheet and into the oven for 20 minutes at 230 degrees celsium.
It says it’s for 4 people but I ate the whole thing myself 🤷🏼♂️
Iosune says
Hi Nejc! Sounds great 😉 So glad you liked it so much!
Julie C. says
So flavorful, easy, and yummy! I used a can of diced tomatoes in place of the tomato sauce. This will definitely be a new staple in our dinner rotation!
Iosune says
Hi Julie! Thanks a lot 🙂 SO glad you liked it!
Chris says
Excellent dish. Will definitely make it again. I did double the onion and coconut milk though. Delicious!
Iosune says
Hi Chris! So glad you liked it 🙂 Have a beautiful day!
Hanz Mossell says
Excellent dish!!
Iosune says
Hi Hanz! Thanks a lot 🙂
Jan D says
This recipe is fantastic. So quick to prepare and absolutely delicious. And nutritious as well. Tasty, creamy, just the right amount of spiciness. My whole family loved it. Thank you so much.
Iosune says
Hi Jan! Thanks a lot for your kind words 🙂 So glad you liked it so much!
Liz says
Just a comment on the instructions, I'm not finding the temps to cook at other than the first couple of steps. Otherwise awesome recipe!! Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Liz! You can find the temps to cook in the other steps as well 🙂 So glad you liked it!