Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Dive into the vibrant world of Indian cuisine with our One Pot Golden Lentil Curry! This delightful dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and nutritious spinach, this curry promises to be a hit with everyone at the table. Don't miss out on this chance to create a comforting meal that’s both healthy and satisfying—read on to discover the full recipe and unlock the secrets to this golden delight!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- Rinse yellow lentils thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the aromatics.
- Sprinkle curry powder and turmeric into the pot, stirring to coat the onions and release the spices' essential oils, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in the rinsed yellow lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check lentils for tenderness; they should be soft but not mushy. Add salt to taste during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- In the final 2 minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the curry.
- Remove from heat and let the curry rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the curry to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice. Pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Rinse Lentils Well: Be sure to rinse the yellow lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any impurities and helps achieve a smoother texture in your curry.
- Sauté Aromatics Carefully: When sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger, keep an eye on them to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base for your curry.
- Layer Your Spices: Adding the curry powder and turmeric before the liquids allows the spices to bloom, enhancing their flavors. Make sure to stir well to coat the onions evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker curry, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth or coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, add the spinach in the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps it vibrant and prevents it from becoming overly wilted.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the curry to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully. It also thickens the curry slightly, making it even more delicious.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing your curry with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. These additions can elevate the dish and add a burst of freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your One Pot Golden Lentil Curry with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
