Lentil Spinach Curry Hearty

Featured in: One-Pot Family Comfort Meals

This hearty, one-pot dish combines tender lentils with fresh spinach and a warming blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon. Aromatic onion, garlic, ginger, and carrot build depth, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors. Cooked slowly in vegetable broth, the layers meld into a comforting, earthy meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Fresh cilantro adds a fragrant finish, and optional coconut milk enriches the texture. Pair with rice or bread for a satisfying experience.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:22:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, garnished with cilantro, a warm, fragrant vegan dinner. Save
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, garnished with cilantro, a warm, fragrant vegan dinner. | wheatkettle.com

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

This recipe reminds me of peaceful evenings cooking with fresh, wholesome ingredients straight from the garden.

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)

Instructions

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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.
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Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Bright green spinach and tender lentils star in this comforting Lentil and Spinach Curry, a hearty meal. Save
Bright green spinach and tender lentils star in this comforting Lentil and Spinach Curry, a hearty meal. | wheatkettle.com

This dish always brings my family together, sharing stories while enjoying a warm comforting meal.

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 (per serving)

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

Close-up of golden-hued Lentil and Spinach Curry, a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot meal, ready to serve. Save
Close-up of golden-hued Lentil and Spinach Curry, a flavorful, vegan-friendly one-pot meal, ready to serve. | wheatkettle.com
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Enjoy this flavorful, nutritious curry any night of the week for a simple, satisfying meal.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use different greens instead of spinach?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives and can be used to vary the flavor and texture.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Omit or reduce chili flakes for a milder version, or add more for extra heat according to your preference.

Is soaking the lentils necessary?

Rinsing lentils is sufficient; soaking is optional but can reduce cooking time slightly if preferred.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, naan, or crusty bread to make a full, satisfying meal.

Can I add coconut milk to this dish?

Yes, stirring in a splash of coconut milk just before serving enriches the texture and adds creamy notes.

Lentil Spinach Curry Hearty

Tender lentils and fresh spinach meld with earthy spices for a cozy, nourishing one-pot dish.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Lillian Roberts


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Fusion / Woodland-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You 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 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)

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Garlic, Ginger, and Carrot: Stir in garlic, ginger, and carrot; cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices: Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir continuously for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 04

Simmer Lentils and Tomato: Add lentils, diced tomato, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Check Lentil Tenderness: Test lentils for doneness; add additional broth or water if necessary to reach desired consistency.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Season and Finish: Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Essential Gear

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

Allergy Notice

Read each ingredient label for allergens and talk to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens. Verify broth ingredients if store-bought to exclude gluten or soy for sensitive individuals.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details here are for general info and aren't meant as medical advice.
  • Kcal: 230
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams