Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of plant-based cooking! This Vegan Coconut Curry Lentils recipe is not just a meal, it's an explosion of creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties, this dish proves that vegan cuisine can be both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris or dust, then drain completely.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or use a non-stick pan.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and curry powder to the onions, stirring continuously to prevent burning and to release the aromatic spices, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine all ingredients and create a smooth, creamy base.
- Add the rinsed lentils to the liquid mixture, stirring to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- During the last 3 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the curry.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any excess starch and potential debris, ensuring a cleaner, more refined texture.
- Toast your curry powder with the onions and garlic briefly to enhance its aromatic qualities and deepen the overall flavor profile.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content and allow you to season more precisely at the end.
- Don't overcook the lentils - aim for a tender but still slightly firm texture to prevent a mushy consistency.
- For extra richness, consider using full-fat coconut milk, which will create a more luxurious and creamy curry.
- Fresh spinach adds a beautiful color and nutritional boost, but you can also experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Let the curry rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 273kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 0mg
