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–+ servings

Tomato Coconut Curry with Green Lentils

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This Tomato Coconut Curry with Green Lentils is a creamy, comforting vegan one-pot meal made with tender lentils, spiced tomato sauce, and rich coconut milk. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in plant-based protein, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: dinner
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Green Lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
  • 1 small Onion, finely diced
  • 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder (choose mild or spicy)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Turmeric
  • 1 can (400g) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 can (400ml) Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth, plus more as needed
  • 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste preferences)
  • Juice of ½ a Lime
  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Cooked Rice or Naan, to serve
Optional
  • 1 cup Baby Spinach or Kale, stirred in at the end
  • Chili Flakes, for some heat

Method
 

Tap the time in each step to start a build-in timer and cook with a little more ease and flow. Be sure to have your volume up to hear the timer chimes!
    1. Sauté the Aromatics:
      Warm the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
      Add in the onions and cook until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
      Once translucent, stir in the garlic and grated ginger and cook for an additional minute.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Watch the onions slowly turn glossy. Inhale the rising warmth of garlic and ginger. Let your stirring match your breath, calm and steady.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you smell the curry waking up? What does the steam feel like on your face?”
      💬 Prompt: “Which scent feels stronger to you? The ginger or the garlic?”
    2. Toast the Spices:
      Add in the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric.
      Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Notice the golden colour deepening as the spices warm. Pause to smell, is it earthy, sharp, or sweet?
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Let’s stir the spices like we’re drawing a golden spiral. What do you see in the swirl?”
      💬 Prompt: “What color does this smell feel like to you?”
    3. Simmer the Lentils:
      Pour in the diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
      Stir in the rinsed lentils and salt.
      Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the curry has thickened.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: As the curry simmers, close your eyes and listen to the bubbles, the quiet rhythm of cooking. Let it be your anchor in the moment.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “Can you name the sound the bubbles make? Do they sound like a song, a whisper, or a celebration?”
      💬 Prompt: “What do you notice changing in the pot? The colour, the smell, the thickness?”
    4. Finish & Season;
      To finish stir in the lime juice and add in the spinach or kale if using, Cook until wilted.
      Taste and adjust salt or spices as desired.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Pause to watch the greens melt into the curry. Take a breath before tasting, feel the brightness of the lime waking things up.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “What superpower do you think the greens give this curry?”
      💬 Prompt: “Does the flavour feel balanced? What does it need? More brightness, warmth, or calm?”
    5. Serve:
      Spoon the curry over rice or scoop up with naan.
      Garnish with some chopped cilantro and a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.
      🌿 Mindful Moment: Take a quiet moment before the first bite. Feel the warmth of the bowl in your hands. Let your eyes take in the colour and texture.
      👧 Kid Prompt: “If your curry had a name, what would it be? Something silly, royal, or magical?”
      💬 Prompt: “What does your first bite remind you of?”

    Notes

    Recipe Notes

    👧 Kid Friendly: Use a mild curry powder and skip the chili; let kids scoop their own curry and rice.
    🌿 Adjust Consistency: If the curry thickens too much, add splashes of broth until desired consistency.
    🧊 Meal Prep Tip: the curry flavours deepen overnight, making it easy to prep the day before.
     

    Tips & Tricks

    • Rinse the lentils thoroughly to remove any dust or debris. 
    • Extra Texture: Add in some diced sweet potato or cauliflower for extra vegetables and texture.
    • More Crunch? Garnish with some roasted cashews or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
    • More Sweetness? Stir in a teaspoon of maple syrup for some subtle sweetness.

     

    Storage and Reheating

    Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
    Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 to 3 months. 
    Reheat from Frozen: Thaw in the fridge overnight or reheat from frozen.
    Reheating: 
    • Stovetop: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk. Stir to prevent sticking.

     

    Variations 

    • Creamy Spinach Curry – Add a handful of spinach and extra coconut milk for a green boost.
    • Spicy Tomato Lentil Soup – Thin with extra broth and serve as a soup, adding chili for heat.
    • Thai‑Inspired Twist – Use red curry paste instead of powder, and add lemongrass and lime zest.
    • Moroccan Comfort – Replace coconut milk with crushed tomatoes only, and add cinnamon and raisins.

     

    Drink Pairings

    Family Friendly:
    • Coconut water with lime
    • Chai rooibos tea
    • Mango lassi made with coconut yogurt
    Adult Pairings:
    • Dry Riesling or gewürztraminer
    • Ginger‑lemon kombucha
    • Sparkling water with cilantro and lime

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    Let us know how it was!