Red Lentil Coconut Curry

Red Lentil Coconut Curry

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4

Category: Main Course

Author: Chef Marlene Watson Tara

Date Published: June 25, 2026

Ingredients

3 shallots, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1½ tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp mild curry powder

1 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp turmeric

2 cups filtered water

1½ cups red lentils

1 cup organic coconut milk

2 medium courgettes, diced into ½ inch pieces

1 or 2 tbsp tamari

1 cup loosely packed fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Lime slices, to serve

Description

A warming South Indian-inspired red lentil curry flavoured with fresh ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, mild curry powder, coconut milk, courgettes, tamari, coriander, and lime. Creamy, protein-rich, and comforting, it pairs well with basmati rice.

How-to? Steps

Step 1: Cook aromatics

In a heavy-based pan, cook the shallots, ginger, and garlic in a splash of filtered water for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add spices

Add the cumin seeds, curry powder, ground coriander, and turmeric, and stir well.

Step 3: Simmer lentils

Stir in the water, red lentils, and coconut milk. Simmer over a low flame, covered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Add courgettes

Stir in the courgettes and tamari. Cover and cook until the courgettes and lentils are tender, adding more water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish

Taste-test, then stir in the fresh coriander.

Step 6: Serve

Serve with lime slices and basmati rice if desired.