Chickpea and Lentil Curry

This chickpea and lentil curry with sweet potato and spinach has a rich coconut milk sauce and hits the spot! It’s a super hearty and satisfying meal that’s delicious on its own or with rice and naan.

Hi friends!

This chickpea and lentil curry came to fruition because of a massive snowstorm we had earlier this winter.

We had over 100 centimeters (or over 3 feet) of snow from a Friday to Sunday. That combined with high winds, we lost our power for a little bit.

Luckily our stovetop is propane so I was able to cook and get a nice cuppa hot tea for us.

Not wanting to open the fridge (in order to keep things cold while the power was out), I used a bunch of pantry staples to make this easy curry recipe.

When hubby and I enjoyed, we devoured this curry. Not sure if it was because we burned, like, 1000 calories from snow shoveling or because it was legit tasty.

Of course, I’ve made since then and added a couple of fresh elements, like spinach and yogurt.

Verdict? Oh yeah, it’s yummy!!

Why We Love This Chickpea and Lentil Curry Recipe

• It’s made with mostly pantry ingredients.
• It comes together in one pan for minimal fuss and easy cleanup.
• It’s loaded with hearty pulses and veggies.
• It’s pretty budget-friendly.
• It tastes delicious!

How To Make This Curry Recipe

Full details on how to make this chickpea lentil curry are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

1. Start off by heating up some coconut oil in a pan, then add onion and cook.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger and cook for just a minute to get those flavours going.
3. Add chickpeas and some yummy seasonings, stir to combine everything and cook for a couple of minutes.
4. Pour in the broth, coconut milk, lentils, sweet potato, cashews, raisins, and shredded coconut. Simmer and cover (with lid slightly ajar) to cook. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing is sticking.
5. When time is up, carefully uncover. Stir in baby spinach.
6. Greek yogurt gets mixed in next, along with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Do I Have to Soak the Lentils?

Nope, not at all!

Use dried red lentils here (not canned).

Pick over and discard any rocks, foreign objects and imperfect lentils. Then, rinse and drain before use.

Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely!

Because curry is saucy in nature, you can add some frozen spinach directly to the pan and cook until broken down and warmed through. The little bit of extra moisture will just add to the sauciness.

However, if you want to thaw and drain the spinach first, go for it!

Note: If you do use frozen spinach, your curry will have more flecks of green throughout (versus larger leaves). Not a big deal, just something to keep in mind.

Yummy Garnish Options

• Sliced chili pepper
• Cilantro
• Green onion
• Extra swirl of yogurt or sour cream

Tips and Variations

• This curry recipe comes together relatively quickly. Have everything prepped before starting.
• Full-fat coconut milk is recommended here (I just love the richness that it adds).
• Cut your sweet potato into equal size (kinda small) chunks so they cook evenly.
• Instead of ground cayenne pepper, use fresh chili pepper or crushed red pepper flakes (to taste).
• Don’t have lime on hand? Squeeze in some lemon juice instead.

What To Serve With Curry

This veggie curry is delicious served over rice, cauliflower rice or quinoa. Naan is also a great addition to your meal for dunking into that flavour-packed sauce.

More Easy Curry Recipes

• Vegetable Curry Soup with Coconut Milk and Zoodles
• Chickpea Cauliflower Curry
• Fish Curry With Coconut Milk

If you make this chickpea and lentil curry, be sure to leave a comment below!