Lentil Coconut Curry (Instantaneous Pot, Gradual Cooker, or Stovetop)

In the event you make this simple meatless coconut curry within the Instantaneous Pot or on the stovetop, it may be prepared in simply 50 minutes, which is manner quicker than conventional slow-cooked curries that take hours to develop taste.

In fact, for those who’re utilizing a gradual cooker, it takes a bit extra time. I prefer to cook 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 easy spices to create a hearty, plant-based dish that is wealthy, comforting, and excellent over rice or veggies! Considered one of 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 may 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 must make this recipe?

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

• Ginger: You should use both grated recent ginger root right here or floor ginger powder for those who favor. Personally, I favor recent ginger, however floor ginger makes substitute for those who’re in a pinch!
• Curry powder: This isn’t the identical as garam masala, so please follow curry powder as an alternative of attempting to substitute it!
• Floor turmeric: I am afraid that right here, you actually cannot use recent turmeric as an alternative. 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 necessary notes. You should use both inexperienced or brown lentils, and you should 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 might completely use common and even heavy cream for those who like.

To be trustworthy, these are the primary ingredient notes. I do embrace recent cilantro and lime juice on the components listing (see the recipe card beneath). 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 simple coconut curry?

Effectively, as I discussed beforehand, there are 3 selections of strategies; on the spot pot, gradual cooker, or stovetop. It is actually necessary that you just observe the precise technique out of the three as a result of all of them have pretty important variations. In spite of everything, they’re 3 utterly completely different strategies of cooking issues!

For the complete strategies, please scroll all the way down to the beneath recipe card.

Within the Instantaneous Pot

1. Set the Instantaneous 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 cook dinner on excessive. Then permit pure launch.
4. Launch any remaining stress and open the lid. Stir and style. Modify seasonings. Serve over rice with lime and cilantro.

See? Straightforward! Then once more, most recipes utilizing an Instantaneous Pot are fairly simple – they’re good devices to have!

Within the Gradual Cooker

1. Add the whole lot besides the coconut milk to the gradual 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 might be simpler than that? I do know gradual cooker recipes are often simple, 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 must be within the kitchen for more often than not (whereas the lentils cook dinner) – you possibly can go and put your ft up! That is the dream, proper? Dinner and a relaxation without delay?

Make It Your Personal

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

• Protein enhance: Add cubed tofu, chickpeas, or shredded rooster for additional protein.
• Further 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: Improve the cayenne or add diced jalapeños for extra warmth.
• Make it tangier: Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or tamarind paste for additional tang.
• Add nut butter: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a deeper, nutty style.
• Chunky or clean: 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 additional 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 completely different to the desk. Listed here are a few of my favorites:

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