Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz / 400 g)
- 2 cups vegetable stock (plus more as needed)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 wedges lemon
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced scallions
Instructions
- Cook the base: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 3 minutes until softened. Then add the grated garlic and ginger, red pepper flakes, curry powder, coriander, cumin, and turmeric powder. Stir the mixture for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Add lentils and simmer: To the pot, add the rinsed red lentils, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable stock. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir well, bring the curry to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the lentils are tender. If the curry becomes too thick, add additional water or vegetable stock as needed.
- Stir in the yogurt: Turn off the heat completely and allow the curry to cool slightly so it stops bubbling. Then stir in the Greek yogurt until the curry becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste and serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to your preference. Serve the curry in bowls alongside rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced scallions if desired.
Notes
- Rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any impurities and help reduce cooking foam.
- Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes used.
- If you want a thinner curry, add extra vegetable stock or water during simmering.
- Do not boil the curry after adding Greek yogurt as it may curdle; stir it in off the heat.
- Serve with rice or your favorite flatbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian