Red Lentil Curry

4.5
(1,435)
1,001 Reviews
126 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.

Submitted by Emma Maher
Updated on August 21, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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A bowl of red lentil curry, served with white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro
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126
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
8
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 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. Gather all ingredients.

    Ingredients to make red lentil curry

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

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

    A colander with rinsed red lentils

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. 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.

    A pot of red lentils in simmering water

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

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

    A pan with chopped onions being stirred with a wooden spoon

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Mix together curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a large bowl; stir into onions.

    A pan of caramelized onions with curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, salt, sugar, garlic, and ginger

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Increase heat to high and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.

    A pan with curry spiced caramelized onions

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

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

    A pan of red lentil curry

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  8. Serve and enjoy!

    A bowl of red lentil curry, served with white rice and garnished with fresh cilantro

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
2,053 home cooks made it!

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 24%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
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.