One Pot Vegan Red Lentil Curry

This Vegan Red Lentil Curry is spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It is a one pot curry which can be made both in the instant pot or stove top.

Indian Curries are our go to dinners on week days. Whether it is my kids favorite Paneer Curry or tangy Mango Curry or this one pot Chickpea Coconut Curry , they are our comfort food enjoyed with chapati or rice,.

This Red Lentil curry is one such recipe which I make every week.

Why we love this Vegan Red Lentil Curry-

Packed with flavor – fresh ginger, garlic, serrano peppers, spices, lime and coriander add layers of flavor to the curry.

Done in 30 -35 minutes – red lentils do not require any overnight soaking and cook in no time. So they make for a prefect weeknight meal.

One pot dish – the best part is you require just one pot to make this dish.

Prefect meal prep recipe and freezes well

Filling and easy to prepare.

Picture of Red Lentils

How to make Vegan Red Lentil Curry

Stove top method –

1 – Heat a wide, shallow pan and add coconut oil. Add cumin seeds and let cook for 10-15 seconds. Now add the finely chopped serrano pepper, ginger and garlic and cook for a minute. Add finely diced onion and pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes till onion turns slightly soft.

2 – Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, curry powder, coriander powder and salt. Cook for 30 seconds.

3 – Add the pureed tomato and cook for a minute.

4 – Now add the red lentils, salt and water. Give a mix and cook in medium flame for about 15 minutes.

5 – The lentils should be cooked through, but not overly soft.

6 -Add garam masala and tomato paste and cook for a minute.

7 – Add coconut milk and cashew cream and cook for 5 more minutes.

8 – Taste the curry and adjust the salt. Finally add a handful of chopped cilantro and a big squeeze of lemon juice. Let the curry rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry

1 – Select the saute mode on the instant pot and heat coconut oil. Add cumin seeds and cook for 30 seconds. Add the finely chopped serrano pepper, ginger and garlic and cook for a minute. Add finely diced onion and pinch of salt. Cook for 3 minutes till onion turns slightly soft.

2 – Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, curry powder, garam masala, coriander powder and salt. Cook for 30 seconds. If the spices are sticking to the pot, splash some water.

3 – Add the pureed tomato and tomato paste and cook for a minute.

4 – Add the washed red lentils, water, coconut milk and cashew cream.

5 – Mix all the ingredients, making sure nothing is stuck to the bottom of the pot.

6 -Cancel the saute mode, secure the lid and adjust the vent to sealing position. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

7 – After the 4 minutes timer has completed, wait for 10 minutes to release the pressure.

8 – Add the coriander leaves and lemon juice. Mix the curry, taste and adjust the salt.

Serving Suggestions:

Red Lentil Curry can be served with plain basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, cumin rice, naan or roti.

If you tried this Red Lentil Curry, do share your feedback in the comment section below. For more recipes, follow me on  Facebook and Instagram.