Red Curry Lentils

This recipe was originally published way back in 2012 (woah!). We spruced it up with some new photos a few years ago, and it’s still one of our ultimate easy-cozy favorites that we just keep coming back to again and again. If you haven’t yet experienced its magic, please, please make it happen tonight.

Now is a good time to:

wear cozy sweaters
get a few candles going
immerse your house in the flavors and smells of your favorite classic comfort-food-but-still-kinda-healthy simmering stovetop recipes.

For example, RED CURRY LENTILS DUH.

These red curry lentils are one of my all-time favorite recipes. As is usually my vibe, we’re working with very basic pantry ingredients here and simple, straightforward prep. It’s hard to mess this one up.

Just cook your lentils and toss them in up this spicy red curry sauce with sauteed onions and a shot of coconut milk. OH MY PERFECTLY SPICY GOODNESS.

I’ve kind of had a fling with lentils lately. Or wait, like, over the last 8 years. These guys, this one, that other one, and now a walk down memory lane back to the original that started my love affair? I can barely stand it. If you’ve never made lentils before, this is a perfect recipe to introduce you to the magic of the most cheap, healthy, versatile, and absolutely delicious little food in the pantry. The Humble Lentil reigns supreme.

Will you eat a big plate of these red curry lentils with rice? Or will you scoop up a creamy bite with a warm piece of naan? Or will you eat it cold out of the fridge with exactly zero judgement from me?

Only time will tell.

Variations for This Recipe

Vegan Version: Just sub oil in for the butter!
How to make in the Instant Pot: We have a recipe for that – follow our Instant Pot Red Curry Lentils here.
How to make in a slow cooker: Another one for that! You can find our Crockpot Red Curry Lentils here.

Watch How to Make Our Red Curry Lentils

Red Curry Lentils

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

Author: Pinch of Yum
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6

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Description

Red curry lentils is my all-time favorite lentil recipe. Thick, creamy, saucy, and perfect as leftovers. Plus it’s healthy and easy!

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups lentils, rinsed and picked over
1/2 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons butter
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
1 14-ounce can tomato puree
1/4 cup coconut milk or cream
cilantro for garnishing
rice for serving

Instructions

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Cook the lentils according to directions. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes until fragrant and golden. Add all the spices (curry paste, garam masala, curry powder, turmeric, cayenne, sugar, garlic, ginger) and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato puree; stir and simmer until smooth.
Add the lentils and the cream. Stir to combine and simmer for another 15-20 minutes (the longer, the better)! Serve over rice and garnish with cilantro.