Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Simple Feasts

Explore a trio of flavorful curries crafted in a single pan—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato. Each dish features bold spices and smooth coconut milk, delivering vibrant and satisfying meals from different world cuisines. Preparation is easy and efficient, with step-by-step instructions to minimize fuss. Serve with rice or bread and garnish with fresh herbs for added brightness. These vegetarian options suit a variety of diets and can be made vegan. Ideal for busy weeknights, each curry is hearty, nutritious, and bursting with global flavor.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:53:00 GMT
Vibrant single-pan global curries bursting with flavor and rich textures.  Save
Vibrant single-pan global curries bursting with flavor and rich textures. | sugarprairie.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by global cuisines. Each curry is bursting with flavor and can be made with minimal fuss in a single pan, perfect for weeknight dinners that bring variety to your table.

As someone who loves to experiment with flavors from around the world, these recipes have become my go-to for easy, comforting dinners. Every time I cook these curries, the aromas fill my kitchen, reminding me of past travels and new discoveries.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 2 (14 oz/400 g) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Thai Red Lentil Curry: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 cup (200 g) red lentils (rinsed), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth, 1 medium carrot (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, juice of 1 lime, fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (deseeded and minced, optional, adjust to taste), 1 tbsp curry powder, 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper to taste, fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Indian Chickpea Curry:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger. Sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and curry paste. Cook 1 minute. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.
Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili. Cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Hearty chickpea curry garnished with cilantro, offering a satisfying weeknight meal.  Save
Hearty chickpea curry garnished with cilantro, offering a satisfying weeknight meal. | sugarprairie.com

My family especially enjoys having all three curries on the table, picking their favorites and piling them next to fluffy rice. These dishes bring us together and spark lively conversation about favorite flavors and spice levels.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice, naan, or flatbread. Add a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast.

Dietary Swaps

For vegan versions, ensure curry paste and broth are plant-based. Replace soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free meals.

Nutritional Info

Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

Colorful Thai red lentil curry with fresh basil, perfect for a comforting dinner. Save
Colorful Thai red lentil curry with fresh basil, perfect for a comforting dinner. | sugarprairie.com

These curries are simple to batch-cook and save. Bright, bold flavors make them a winner for cozy weeknight meals and gatherings alike.

Kitchen Help

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, use plant-based curry paste and broth. Substitute non-vegan ingredients with vegan alternatives as needed.

What are good side dishes for these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or any flatbread pairs well, adding texture and soaking up flavorful sauces.

Are these curries spicy?

Heat levels vary by cuisine; adjust chili and curry paste amounts for your preferred spiciness.

Can I substitute beans or lentils?

Chickpeas can be swapped with white beans, and lentils with split peas to change up flavors and textures.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, use tamari in place of soy sauce and check labels on curry paste and broth to avoid gluten-containing products.

What kitchen tools do I need?

You'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three one-pan curries inspired by global cuisines, packed with vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Simple Feasts

Complexity Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, No dairy

Components

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
08 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 2 cans (14 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11 1 cup coconut milk
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Thai Red Lentil Curry

01 2 tablespoons coconut oil
02 1 medium onion, diced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
05 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
06 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
07 2 cups vegetable broth
08 1 medium carrot, sliced
09 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 Juice of 1 lime
12 Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, sliced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, deseeded and minced (optional)
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
08 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Method steps

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics for Indian Chickpea Curry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Phase 02

Add Garlic, Ginger, and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute. Mix in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors.

Phase 03

Simmer Curry Base: Incorporate diced tomatoes, drained chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 04

Finish and Garnish: Top with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.

Phase 05

Start Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, approximately 4 minutes.

Phase 06

Spice and Sauté: Add minced garlic and red curry paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Phase 07

Simmer Lentils and Vegetables: Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils become tender.

Phase 08

Finish and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro before serving.

Phase 09

Start Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Phase 10

Add Garlic and Chili: Add minced garlic and optional chili; sauté for 1 minute.

Phase 11

Sauté Curry Powder: Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Phase 12

Simmer with Vegetables: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

Phase 13

Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Phase 14

Finish and Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley prior to serving.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and wheat; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Review ingredient labels for potential allergens in curry paste and broth.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g