Lentil Curry (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

This easy lentil curry made with curry powder, garam masala and other spices is perfect with white rice or cauliflower rice as a vegan or vegetarian main or side dish.

lentil curry

More like a soup than a thick stew, this red lentil curry can be made on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot. It goes perfectly with rice or cauliflower rice. The addition of some lime and cilantro at the end enhances and brightens the flavor. Best of all, the curry can be kept in the fridge all week and freezes well. I always try to eat more lentils throughout the week because they’re an easy way to reach my fiber goals (at least 25 grams per day). Other lentil recipes I love include this lentil soup and lentil salad.

That is healthy Lentil Curry Recipe comes from Kiki Nelson’s new cookbook Plantifully Lean, which contains “over 125 easy, plant-based, low-fat recipes.” She offers filling and delicious plant-based dishes, including shiitake rice with Thai peanut sauce and French onion soup. I was intrigued to read about her weight loss journey after one high-carbohydrate, low-fat, plant-based diet. So many of her recipes looked amazing, but what I was most excited about was trying this vegan curry and I’m glad I did.

Ingredients for lentil curry

• Spices: Cumin Seeds, Garam Masala, Curry Powder, Coriander, Salt
• aromatics: Freshly chopped garlic and ginger, diced onions
• Tomatoes: Dice two Roma tomatoes.
• Lenses: I used a cup of red lentils.
• Water so the lentils can cook
• Garnish: coriander leaves and lime wedges

Frequently asked questions about lenses

Do red lentils need to be soaked?
The great thing about lentils is that they don’t need to be soaked like beans. Also, they cook much faster than dried beans. You may want to rinse the lentils in a fine mesh strainer to ensure no residue is left behind.

Do lentils need to be cooked before adding them to the curry?
NO! The lentils cook in the curry, making this dish a one-pot meal.

How long do lentils take to cook in a curry?
Red lentils take about 20 to 30 minutes on the stovetop and 20 minutes in the Instant Pot.

Is Lentil Curry Good For You??

This coconut milk-free lentil curry is packed with fiber and protein and under 300 calories. Lentils are also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, B6 and potassium.

How to make lentil curry

1. Cumin Seeds: For the instant potpress “Sauté” and continue stove, Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toast the cumin seeds for 1 minute until fragrant and browned.
2. Add the other ingredients: Tomatoes, onions, garlic, garam masala, curry powder, coriander, salt and ginger. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Lenses: Stir in the lentils and four cups of water. Put the lid on instant pot and cook under pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally. On the stovebring the water to a boil, cover and cook on low for 20 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender.

How to serve lentil curry

I like this lentil curry over white or brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low carb option. You can also serve it with a piece of naan or roti to reserve the lentils. If you’d like a veggie accompaniment, try this Warm Curried Vegetable Salad, Rainbow Carrots with Ginger, or Roasted Cauliflower.

How to store lentil curry

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to a month. Red Lentil Curry is even more delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep! Reheat in the microwave until warm.

variations

• Lenses: You can replace red lentils with green or brown ones.
• Vegetables: Finally add spinach or kale.
• Cumin: If you don’t have cumin seeds, add ground cumin with the other spices.

More lentil recipes you’ll love