Healthy Lentil and Spinach Curry

Name: Healthy Lentil and Spinach Curry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green lentils, rinsed; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons curry powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon coriander; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Food

I love making this Healthy Lentil and Spinach Curry because it’s not only comforting, but it's also packed with nutrients! The moment I smell the spices sautéing, I know dinner is going to be delicious. I find that the combination of lentils and spinach creates a wholesome dish that I can enjoy any day of the week. Plus, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when I want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:49:34.152Z

When I first tried cooking lentils, I was surprised by how versatile they are. I decided to incorporate spinach for an extra nutritional boost, and the combination turned out to be a game changer! The earthy flavor of lentils pairs perfectly with the vibrant green of the spinach, creating a colorfully appealing dish.

What I learned while perfecting this recipe is the importance of balancing spices. I like to use a mix of cumin and coriander to enhance the flavors. One little tip I swear by is letting the curry simmer for a few extra minutes, which helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Nutritious and packed with plant-based protein
Vibrant flavors that celebrate the spices
Quick to prepare for a weeknight dinner

The Role of Lentils in This Curry

Lentils are the backbone of this Healthy Lentil and Spinach Curry, providing a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber. They not only contribute to the dish's hearty texture but also absorb the flavors of the spices beautifully. For optimal results, choose green lentils as they hold their shape better during cooking, giving the curry a satisfying bite. I always rinse my lentils under cold water before use to remove any dust or debris, which enhances the overall taste.

Cooking lentils correctly is crucial; they should become tender but not mushy. If you overcook them, they may disintegrate into the sauce, altering the dish’s texture. Keep an eye on the simmering process and taste a few lentils around the 15-minute mark. This ensures you achieve that perfect balance of tenderness while still maintaining a distinct shape.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

The combination of curry powder, cumin, and coriander creates a complex flavor profile that truly embodies this curry’s essence. Fresh spices, if available, can elevate the taste significantly. Toasting them briefly in the oil before adding other ingredients releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavors. A good rule of thumb is to sauté them for about a minute until they become aromatic without burning, which can impart a bitter taste.

Feel free to experiment with different spice blends or add a pinch of chili powder for a little heat. Each adjustment allows you to customize the dish to your liking, making it adaptable for various palates. If you want an even deeper flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the spices for a touch of acidity and sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

This lentil and spinach curry pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. I find that serving over rice allows the flavors to meld while the grains soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to add freshness and crunch.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors of the curry actually improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze portions for up to three months. Just make sure to reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the consistency, ensuring it remains creamy and delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and wholesome ingredients for your curry:

Main Ingredients

1 cup green lentils, rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have these ingredients ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to cook your Healthy Lentil and Spinach Curry:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Add Lentils and Spices

Add the lentils, curry powder, cumin, and coriander to the pot. Stir to combine and toast the spices for about a minute.

Simmer with Coconut Milk

Pour in the coconut milk and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

Incorporate Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot over rice or with naan.

Enjoy this healthy, hearty curry with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For enhanced flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving. You can also store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your curry turns out too thick, simply add a bit more coconut milk or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it in and let it simmer for an extra few minutes. This not only adjusts the texture but also keeps all the flavors combined beautifully without needing to start over.

On the flip side, if it’s too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, especially towards the end of cooking. The goal is to achieve a luscious, slightly thickened sauce that coats the lentils and spinach perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of green lentils, you can substitute with brown lentils, although they may cook slightly faster and tend to be mushier. For a protein boost, feel free to add chickpeas or beans of your choice. Canned beans should be added towards the end of cooking to warm through, preventing them from becoming too soft.

As for the coconut milk, you can substitute with almond milk for a lighter option, though it won’t be as creamy. Conversely, if you want to enrich the flavor, try full-fat coconut milk. The type of spinach is also flexible; you may use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess liquid in your curry.

Variations to Try

To give this curry a unique twist, try incorporating other vegetables like diced sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers. Adding them during the initial cooking phase when you add the lentils allows them to soften nicely while absorbing the spices.

For a creamier texture, blend half of the curry with an immersion blender before stirring in the spinach. This technique not only thickens the curry but also creates a beautiful color contrast with the fresh green spinach when added. Each variation provides you with a new experience, keeping the dish exciting over multiple meals!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure to rinse and soak them as needed, and adjust the cooking time.

→ Is it possible to make this curry spicier?

Absolutely! Add some red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions.

→ Can I substitute coconut milk?

You can use vegetable broth or cream if you prefer, but coconut milk adds a creamy texture.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients used in this curry are gluten-free. Just ensure your spices are certified gluten-free.