Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils

By Alexandra Caspero on February 7, 2018

Are you ready for your new favorite weeknight meal? Because these spicy coconut curry lentils are it! Both vegan and gluten free, they are my definition of healthy comfort food. Curried lentils in a spicy, fragrant tomato curry sauce with sweet potatoes and carrots. Gimme these along with rice and naan and I’m ready for the long winter.

I want us to eat more beans. Of all the foods, I think this is one we should be adding to our plates more often. Well, OK, we probably should be eating more vegetables as well. Vegetables and beans!? That’s the stuff my dietitian heart is made of.

Why more beans? For one, they are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein. With roughly 16-20g of protein per serving, beans are a great way to meet your protein needs without eating, um, meat. Beans also contain fiber and antioxidants and they don’t contain cholesterol, saturated fat or hormones like their animal counterparts.

Beans are also linked to longevity! Swapping in beans and other dried pulses, like lentils, for even a few servings a week can reduce cancer, heart disease and diabetes risk. Pretty awesome, right?

Skillet Of Vegan Coconut Curry Lentils

Ready in just 30 minutes, these are the definition of an easy meal idea. Make the sauce, add the cooked lentils, coconut milk and tomato sauce and let simmer until thick and creamy.

For a fast weeknight approach, I use precooked lentils that I get in the produce section of the grocery store. If you’ve got more time, then cook the lentils from dried ahead of time.

Here’s a tip for spice-filled recipes like this one. Add the dried spices to the sauté pan with the softened vegetables and the oil. Allowing the spices to bloom in the oil creates much more flavor than adding them to the sauce itself. You’ll also want to cook the vegetables down so the onion is soft and caramelized and the potatoes and carrots are softened.

That’s it! Now, enjoy this beautiful pan of spicy coconut curry lentils.

Two Bowls Of Vegan Coconut Curry Lentils Close Up Shot Of Vegan Coconut Lentil Curry

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!

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Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils! These Lentils Are The Perfect Quick Weeknight Meal. Curried Lentils In A Tomato Coconut Sauce, Ready In Just 30 Minutes! #Vegan And #Glutenfree | Www.delishknowledge.com

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Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils! These Lentils Are The Perfect Quick Weeknight Meal. Curried Lentils In A Tomato Coconut Sauce, Ready In Just 30 Minutes! #Vegan And #Glutenfree | Www.delishknowledge.com

Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils

  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, lunch
  • Cuisine: indian, healthy, glutenfree, vegan

Description

Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils! These lentils are the perfect quick weeknight meal. Curried lentils in a tomato coconut sauce, ready in just 30 minutes! Vegan and Gluten-free. 


  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, lunch
  • Cuisine: indian, healthy, glutenfree, vegan
  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner, lunch
  • Cuisine: indian, healthy, glutenfree, vegan
Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or other oil)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped sweet potatoes (about 1 small potato)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder (I used a hot curry powder from Penzey’s)
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or less, depending on what spice level you want)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 cups cooked brown lentils
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk
  • cilantro, for garnish
  • basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. 
  2. Add the onions, jalapenos, carrots and sweet potatoes and cook until vegetables are just soft, about 8-9 minutes. 
  3. Add in the spices and cook another minute until fragrant. 
  4. Add in the lentils, tomato sauce and coconut milk and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes until thickened and sweet potatoes are cooked through. 
  5. Garnish with cilantro and serve over rice, if desired. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe with 1/2 cup cooked rice
  • Calories: 433
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 316 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Fiber: 16 g
  • Protein: 17 g

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Vegan Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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    1. Jill
      February 12, 2018 AT 11:57 pm

      I made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit! I left out the jalapeño and only did 1/4 tsp of cayenne since I’m breastfeeding and the level of heat was perfect. It was super easy to make as well! This is the first of your recipes I’ve tried and I’m so excited to try more!

      1. Alex
        February 13, 2018 AT 2:04 pm

        Yay! So glad you liked it!

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