Red Lentil Curry

4.5
(1,428)
994 Reviews
124 Photos

This red lentil curry is rich and hearty. It's great as a main meal rather than a side dish like the more traditional Indian dhal. Don't let the ingredient list faze you — this is an easy dish to make. This dish is excellent served with basmati rice.

Recipe by Emma Maher
Updated on August 30, 2022
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red lentils

  • 3 cups water, or more as needed

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 2 tablespoons curry paste

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

  • 1 (14.25 ounce) can tomato puree

Directions

  1. Wash lentils in cold water until water runs clear.

  2. Put lentils in a pot with enough water to cover; bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, adding water as needed to keep lentils covered, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.

  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onions in hot oil until caramelized, about 20 minutes.

  4. Mix together curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl; stir into onions. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

  5. Stir in tomato puree and lentils; cook until warmed through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

192 Calories
3g Fat
33g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 192
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Sodium 572mg 25%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 11g 40%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 12g
Vitamin C 9mg 43%
Calcium 44mg 3%
Iron 6mg 31%
Potassium 727mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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