Red lentils simmered with spinach and warm spices
Indian Coconut Lentil Spinach Curry
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Indian Coconut Lentil Spinach Curry
Red lentils simmered with spinach and warm spices
A practical lentil curry with spinach and coconut milk that feels generous and filling without much effort.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Lentil curry is useful because it scales well, reheats well, and still feels like real cooking instead of emergency pantry management.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 can coconut milk
- 3 cups stock or water
- 4 cups spinach
- 1 tsp cumin, turmeric, and coriander
Instructions
- 1
Cook the onion, garlic, ginger, and spices until fragrant.
- 2
Add the lentils, coconut milk, and stock and simmer until tender.
- 3
Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- 4
Taste and finish with lemon or cilantro if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime
Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side
FlavorPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Garam Masala
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the spice blend matters
A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.
This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.
- Adds warmer depth quickly
- Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes
If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.
Shop garam masala for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Add more water if you want a looser texture.
This freezes well.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl) · 4 servings
Calories360
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein15g
Carbohydrates35g
Fat18g
Fiber8g
Sugar4g
Sodium510mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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