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!
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.
Christine says
Hi
Can’t find the recipe for the easy lentil curry as mentioned in another comment. The link you posted doesn’t work!
Can you help please?
Thanks
Iosune says
Hi Christine! We've deleted some old recipes, sorry for the inconvenience. Here you have it: https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073857/https://simpleveganblog.com/easy-lentil-curry/#recipe Have a nice day!
Claire says
I'm pretty sure it was via your website I found a lentil curry recipe. It had two tins of lentils, two tins of tomatoes and a tin of coconut milk. Along with peas and herbs and spices. I loved that recipe - so simple. But I can't find it anywhere....
Iosune says
Hi Claire! We've deleted some old recipes, sorry for the inconvenience. You can find the link here: https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073857/https://simpleveganblog.com/easy-lentil-curry/#recipe Have a nice day!
Julia says
This is such a great recipe, I've made it countless times and it never disappoints.
Iosune says
Hi Julia! Thanks a lot 🙂 Have a nice day!
Erin says
Do you happen to know where the link to your easy lentil curry went? I had it bookmarked, but now it always leads me to this recipe. It didn't have the masala and it used peas. My family loved it but I was foolish and didn't write it down so now I don't remember how to make it!
Iosune says
Hi Erin! You can find the recipe here: https://web.archive.org/web/20221130073857/https://simpleveganblog.com/easy-lentil-curry/Sorry for the inconvenience!
Alice says
Loved the recipe, thank you! I have added a bit of chilli powder and a sweetener, in my case it was some date syrup.
I will definitely make it again!
Thanks again!
Iosune says
Hi Alice! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Rosemarie Lavrisa says
I plan to use this recipe and wondered if I can sub grated ginger root for the powdered ginger.
Iosune Robles says
Hi! Feel free to use powdered ginger 🙂
love-vegan says
Easy to make and great taste!
Iosune Robles says
Thank you so much 🙂 Have a nice day!
Stacy Jones-Malik says
In lieu of coconut milk I've used soy milk. It still tastes good, but the coconut milk really adds something the soy can't replicate. I also use twice as much seasoning as listed but that's just what my family prefers.
Iosune Robles says
Hi! You're completely right, coconut milk in this recipe adds an amazing taste!
Femke says
Love this dish!
Iosune Robles says
Hi! I'm so glad you loved it 🙂
Yvonne Emanuel says
I made this for tonight's dinner and it was fantastic! So easy and so few ingredients, but oh so aromatic and delicious. This will be a regular for me. Thank you so much for this recipe!
Iosune Robles says
So glad you enjoyed our lentil curry Yvonne 🙂 Have a nice day!