Description
A flavorful and comforting Red Curry Lentils recipe combining tender lentils with aromatic spices, tomato puree, and creamy coconut milk, perfect served over rice and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 14-ounce can tomato puree
- 1/4 cup coconut milk or cream
- Cilantro for garnishing
- Rice for serving
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1/2 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- A few good shakes of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Rinse and pick over the lentils then cook them according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside to use later.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir in the red curry paste, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne pepper, sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir fry the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.
- Add Tomato Puree and Simmer: Pour in the tomato puree, stir to combine thoroughly, and allow the mixture to simmer until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Lentils and Cream: Add the cooked lentils and coconut milk or cream to the saucepan. Stir well to mix all the flavors and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the curry to develop deeper flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the red curry lentils hot over cooked rice, garnished generously with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
Notes
- For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper quantity according to taste.
- Using coconut cream instead of milk will add extra richness.
- Lentils should be cooked just until tender to avoid becoming too mushy when simmered afterward.
- This dish can be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based oil or vegan butter.
- You can substitute red curry paste with your preferred curry paste variety for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: red curry lentils, lentil curry, vegetarian curry, Indian lentil recipe, red curry paste, coconut milk curry
