Coconut Lentil Curry Bowl Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the ratio of curry paste to coconut milk? ›

A good rule of thumb for using coconut milk is to use roughly one cup of coconut milk per tablespoon of paste; taste and adjust the amounts from there. After the coconut milk has simmered for a few minutes, garnish your curry with fresh cilantro and sliced chilies if desired, and serve over rice or noodles.

It's a gourmet-tasting yet weeknight-friendly meal that packs rich and decadent flavors into a simple one-pot recipe. Using pantry staples, like red lentils, coconut milk, aromatics, ground Indian spices, and almond butter, this hearty lentil curry comes together in a snap.

Yes! This lentil curry recipe freezes well because the base of the sauce is coconut milk instead of dairy. Transfer lentil curry to an airtight container or freezer bag and squeeze out excess air; freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating per directions.

Bring to a boil, cover tightly, reduce heat and simmer until they are tender. For whole lentils, cook time is typically 15-20 minutes. For split red lentils, cook time is typically only about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to season with salt after cooking – if salt is added before, the lentils will become tough.

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

I always stir fry the curry paste first, and then add a small amount of coconut milk to break the paste up and leave it to simmer for about 5 minutes until the oils rises to the surface, then I season and add the rest of the coconut milk with the meat/veg.

Your curry can taste bitter if the spices and garlic are burnt or if you've added too much fenugreek to the dish. You see, the secret to cooking a delicious curry recipe is to create a spicy paste and slowly cook it before adding your meat.

A dal recipe includes a split pulse, has a more soupy consistency, and has fewer spices than a curry. As dahl and curry novices we loved how quick and easy this recipe came together, we had dinner in 30 minutes. It had a bright color and made our home smell delicious as it simmered on the stove.

A common mistake made by beginners is to either undercook or overcook spices. If you overcook and burn your spices your curries will taste bitter; if you undercook them then they will taste raw and gritty. To cook spices properly you need enough oil in the pan and for it to be at the right temperature.

Is Lentil Curry good for you? ›

Lentils have high iron content, making them a good source of energy. Lentils, which contain flavonoids, are beneficial in the prevention of cancer, particularly breast cancer. The nutritional value of lentils, or nutrients found in lentils, is responsible for various health benefits associated with them.

How long does it keep? This red lentil curry will keep well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days and it's easily reheated in a pot on the stovetop. It also freezes really well, for up to 3 months. Thaw it fully in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Here's why soaking lentils is important

Fact 1: Soaking lentils improves digestion and nutrition absorption as it can neutralise lectins and phytates present that may cause gas and bloating. Fact 2: Soaking lentils also reduces its cooking time. It also brings prana (life) into the legume.

Lentils do not require it but can be soaked in order to reduce cooking time by about half. Before cooking, rinse lentils in cold water, pick over to remove debris or shrivelled lentils, then drain.

Do I Have To Rinse and Sort Before Cooking? It's highly recommended that you rinse and sort lentils before cooking them. Because of their small size, plus how they are grown and harvested, they are particularly prone to having bits of grit and chaff clinging to them.

The recipe calls for a 1:1 ratio of red curry paste and water (2 tbsp. of each, if I remember correctly offhand), gently mixed over low heat until it achieves the right consistency.

Coconut paste at room temperature usually has a solid and thick consistency. However, it can be easily dissolved, and after adding water - make milk or coconut milk out of it. Coconut paste is sold in glass jars or plastic bags.

Hands down, our new favorite condiment. Mix curry paste with mayonnaise and a little lemon juice. It's perfect on sandwiches, over sautéed veggies or as a dip for carrots and celery. Make plenty – you'll want to use it on everything.

Curry Paste Marinade

The general rule is to marinade overnight for best results, but if you're strapped for time as everyone is these days, then 2 hours will suffice. This is the simplest way of using the curry paste as all you need to do is evenly coat your meat, fish, tofu or vegetables and let it work its magic.