Lentil Coconut Curry (On the spot Pot, Gradual Cooker, or Stovetop)

For those who make this straightforward meatless coconut curry within the On the spot Pot or on the stovetop, it may be prepared in simply 50 minutes, which is means sooner than conventional slow-cooked curries that take hours to develop taste.

After all, should you’re utilizing a sluggish cooker, it takes a bit extra time. I wish to prepare dinner mine on excessive for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours, giving the flavors loads of time to meld whereas the lentils flip completely tender.

All you want are lentils, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and a handful of straightforward spices to create a hearty, plant-based dish that is wealthy, comforting, and excellent over rice or veggies! One among my favourite issues about this dish is the coconut milk. It provides a wealthy, creamy texture and a refined sweetness that balances out the daring spices. That is why you will discover it in so many curry recipes, like my Coconut Curry Shrimp, Thai Coconut Curry with Chicken, and Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Chicken!

What do I have to make this recipe?

Effectively, for a lentil coconut curry, you are clearly going to wish lentils, coconut oil, and coconut milk, however there are undoubtedly a couple of different components price mentioning!

• Ginger: You should utilize both grated contemporary ginger root right here or floor ginger powder should you choose. Personally, I choose contemporary ginger, however floor ginger makes substitute should you’re in a pinch!
• Curry powder: This isn’t the identical as garam masala, so please follow curry powder as a substitute of attempting to substitute it!
• Floor turmeric: I am afraid that right here, you actually cannot use contemporary turmeric as a substitute. Plus, you’d want such a tiny quantity that it might most likely really feel like a waste to purchase some – offering a retailer close to you even sells it within the first place!
• Lentils: I do know I discussed these above, however there are a few essential notes. You should utilize both inexperienced or brown lentils, and you will need to rinse them earlier than cooking. Belief me on that one!
• Canned gentle coconut milk: That is what offers the curry a coconut taste! I like utilizing gentle coconut milk to chop again on some energy, however you may completely use common and even heavy cream should you like.

To be trustworthy, these are the primary ingredient notes. I do embrace contemporary cilantro and lime juice on the components listing (see the recipe card under). Nevertheless, to be trustworthy, they’re only for garnish – though I do adore the freshness that the lime juice brings to the curry!

How do I make this straightforward coconut curry?

Effectively, as I discussed beforehand, there are 3 decisions of strategies; immediate pot, sluggish cooker, or stovetop. It is actually essential that you simply observe the precise technique out of the three as a result of all of them have pretty important variations. In any case, they’re 3 fully totally different strategies of cooking issues!

For the total strategies, please scroll right down to the under recipe card.

Within the On the spot Pot

1. Set the On the spot Pot to saute. Add oil, then onion, and soften. Add garlic and ginger, different seasonings, and carrots.
2. Flip the pot off. Add lentils, tomatoes (and their juices), water and coconut milk. Stir.
3. Put the lid on and prepare dinner on excessive. Then enable pure launch.
4. Launch any remaining stress and open the lid. Stir and style. Alter seasonings. Serve over rice with lime and cilantro.

See? Simple! Then once more, most recipes utilizing an On the spot Pot are fairly straightforward – they’re good devices to have!

Within the Gradual Cooker

1. Add all the things besides the coconut milk to the sluggish cooker.
2. Cook dinner on excessive for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
3. Stir within the coconut milk and style. Garnish and serve.

It is actually 3 steps – what may very well be simpler than that? I do know sluggish cooker recipes are often straightforward, however this one is certainly simpler than most!

On the Stovetop

1. Warmth the oil. Add onion and carrots, then allow them to soften. Add garlic, ginger and different seasonings and toast.
2. Add lentils, tomatoes (with juices) and water. Stir to mix, then simmer.
3. Stir in coconut milk, season, serve, and garnish.

As soon as once more, simply 3 steps! And to be trustworthy, you do not even actually should be within the kitchen for more often than not (whereas the lentils prepare dinner) – you may go and put your toes up! That is the dream, proper? Dinner and a relaxation without delay?

Make It Your Personal

Listed here are some enjoyable variations you may attempt with this lentil curry recipe:

• Protein enhance: Add cubed tofu, chickpeas, or shredded hen for further protein.
• Additional greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra greens and texture.
• Make it creamy: Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer, creamier curry.
• Make lentil soup: Add some vegetable broth and switch this dish right into a creamy soup!
• Add some spice: Enhance the cayenne or add diced jalapeños for extra warmth.
• Make it tangier: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or tamarind paste for further tang.
• Add nut butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a deeper, nutty style.
• Chunky or easy: Mix a part of the curry for a smoother, thicker texture, or depart it chunky.
• Garam masala: Stir in a teaspoon of garam masala on the finish for further heat and depth.
• Crispy topping: Garnish with toasted coconut, crushed peanuts, or crispy chickpeas for crunch.

What ought to I serve with this curry?

There are such a lot of methods to serve this lentil coconut curry, and each brings one thing just a little totally different to the desk. Listed here are a few of my favorites:

• Rice: A traditional! Serve over jasmine or basmati rice to absorb the sauce. For further taste, attempt coconut rice! Obtained a spare immediate pot? You may make completely fluffy brown rice in it utilizing this recipe!
• Naan: Heat, fluffy naan is ideal for scooping. Garlic or entire wheat naan makes an awesome twist!
• Low-carb: Swap rice for Coconut Cauliflower Rice! It is gentle, veggie-packed, and nonetheless soaks up the curry fantastically. Roasted Cauliflower can be a scrumptious alternative!
• Potatoes: Serve over Grilled Sweet Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes for a hearty, flavorful twist.