Lentil and Spinach Curry

Featured in: One-Pot Lemon & Herb Comforts

This hearty one-pot dish combines tender lentils and fresh spinach with a warming blend of spices. Sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and carrots create a flavorful base enhanced by cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and optional chili flakes. Simmered in vegetable broth until perfectly tender, it’s finished with bright lemon juice and fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Ideal for an easy, nourishing meal that brings cozy woodland-inspired flavors to your table.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:49:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, featuring a vibrant mix of green spinach and tender lentils. Pin It
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, featuring a vibrant mix of green spinach and tender lentils. | citrushollow.com

A hearty, earthy one-pot curry featuring tender lentils, fresh spinach, and warming spices—perfect for a cozy woodland-inspired weeknight meal.

I love making this curry on chilly evenings when I want something comforting yet nutritious.

Ingredients

  • Lentils & Legumes: 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed, 3 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Vegetables: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 inch piece fresh ginger grated, 1 large carrot diced, 4 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped, 1 medium tomato diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
  • Spices & Seasonings: 1 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat), Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Finishing Touches: 1 tbsp lemon juice, Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 45 minutes until translucent.
Step 2:
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and carrot, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 3:
Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4:
Add the lentils, diced tomato, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5:
Check lentils for tenderness. If needed, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 6:
Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 34 minutes until wilted.
Step 7:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Step 8:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Pin It
| citrushollow.com

This recipe brings the family together around the table for a warm, nourishing meal full of flavor.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens. If using store-bought broth, check for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Calories 230, Total Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 11 g per serving

Flavorful Lentil and Spinach Curry—an aromatic, one-pot vegan dish, garnished with fresh cilantro. Pin It
Flavorful Lentil and Spinach Curry—an aromatic, one-pot vegan dish, garnished with fresh cilantro. | citrushollow.com

This curry comes together quickly and delivers deep, satisfying flavors that make weeknights special.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of lentils work best?

Green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well and absorb flavors during simmering.

→ Can I use fresh spinach substitutes?

Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a slightly different but still hearty green component.

→ How can I add richness to the dish?

Stirring in a splash of coconut milk just before serving adds creamy richness and depth.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Serve with rice, naan, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce and complete the meal.

→ Are there any allergens to watch for?

This dish is free from common allergens but check store-bought broth labels for gluten or soy if sensitive.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Lentil and Spinach Curry

Earthy lentils and fresh spinach simmered with spices for a comforting, wholesome dinner.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Total Duration
50 min
Created by Hannah Simmons


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Fusion / Woodland-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet & Preferences Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Lentils & Legumes

01 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 3 cups vegetable broth or water

Vegetables

01 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
04 1 large carrot, diced
05 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
06 1 medium tomato, diced, or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes

Spices & Seasonings

01 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
02 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

01 1 tablespoon lemon juice
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4 to 5 minutes until translucent.

Step 02

Add garlic, ginger, and carrot: Stir in garlic, ginger, and diced carrot; cook for 2 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate spices: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir for 1 minute until spices release fragrance.

Step 04

Simmer lentils: Add lentils, diced tomato, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Adjust liquid and check lentils: Test lentils for tenderness; add additional broth or water if necessary.

Step 06

Add spinach: Stir in chopped spinach and cook 3 to 4 minutes until wilted.

Step 07

Season and finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 08

Serve garnished: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Equipment You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy Advice

Always review each ingredient for allergy risks and talk to a healthcare provider when needed.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify broth ingredients for gluten or soy if sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional details are for general knowledge and shouldn't replace your doctor’s input.
  • Energy: 230
  • Fat Content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Proteins: 11 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.