How to Make Lentil Curry

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: almond milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: frozen spinach

Kale is nutrient-dense and frozen spinach is often less expensive.

curry powder

🥗Healthier: homemade spice blend

💰Cheaper: individual spices

Homemade blends can be tailored to taste and are often cheaper.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers healthier fats while canola oil is often less expensive.

Make the rice according to How to Cook Basmati Rice (or Instant Pot Rice).

Place the lentils in a saucepan with 6 cups warm water. Bring to a low boil, then boil for about 20 minutes until tender (taste to assess doneness). Drain, then add a few pinches of salt.

Meanwhile, wash the greens, remove the stems and chop the leaves. (If using prewashed baby spinach, you can skip this step.) In your largest skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the greens and sauté for several minutes until tender and bright green.

When the lentils are done, add them to the skillet with the greens. Over medium high heat, stir in the coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, tomato paste, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until heated through and the sauce is thickened.

Taste and add a few pinches of salt if desired. Serve with rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary