When it comes to hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meals, few dishes compare to a good lentil curry.

Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a meal packed with plant-based protein, Crockpot Lentil Curry ticks all the boxes. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to fit into any meal plan.

Made with aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender lentils, this curry simmers to perfection in the Crockpot.

This hands-off cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and comforting dish. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and can feed a crowd without much effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Simply toss the ingredients into the Crockpot, set it, and forget it.

Packed with Nutrition: Lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making this dish both healthy and satisfying.

Bursting with Flavor: The blend of spices, coconut milk, and tomatoes creates a curry that’s deeply aromatic and delicious.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for batch cooking and meal planning.

Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or include other proteins to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

1/2 cups dried lentils (green, brown, or red)
1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
2 medium carrots, diced

1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes

1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
3 cups vegetable broth or water
Fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. Chop the onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell pepper. Gather all the spices to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
In your Crockpot, combine the lentils, chopped vegetables, spices, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir everything together to ensure the lentils and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Set and Cook
Cover the Crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The lentils should become tender, and the flavors will meld into a rich, aromatic curry.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
Before serving, check the consistency of the curry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spice, as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the lentil curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish. Pair it with steamed rice, naan bread, or quinoa for a complete meal.

Variations

Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or sweet potatoes. Stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Use Different Lentils: Red lentils cook faster and create a creamier texture, while green or brown lentils retain their shape and offer more bite. Mix and match for a unique texture.

Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, tofu, or diced chicken for extra protein. If using chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder curry, reduce the cayenne pepper or skip it altogether. For extra heat, add diced fresh chilies or a pinch of red chili flakes.

How to Serve

Crockpot lentil curry is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

With Rice: Serve over steamed basmati or jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful curry sauce.

With Bread: Pair with warm naan or roti for dipping.
As a Soup: Add extra broth to transform this curry into a hearty lentil soup.
With Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezer: Freeze the curry in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Tips for Success

Rinse the Lentils: Rinsing lentils removes excess starch and ensures a cleaner flavor in the curry.

Don’t Overcook: While Crockpots are forgiving, avoid overcooking the curry as lentils can become mushy.
Balance the Flavors: Taste the curry before serving and adjust seasoning, acidity (lime juice), or sweetness (coconut milk) to suit your preferences.