Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe with Rice
Recipe shopping list — copy the items into Valedo.
Serves 6 with rice. Red lentils break down as they cook and make the curry naturally thick.
Ingredients
Basmati rice
2 cups
Water
Divided.
7 cups
Kosher salt
Divided.
1 1/2 tsp
Vegetable oil
2 tbsp
Yellow onion
Diced.
1 large
Garlic
Minced.
4 cloves
Fresh ginger
Grated.
1 tbsp
Curry powder
2 tbsp
Ground cumin
1 tsp
Ground turmeric
1/2 tsp
Dry red lentils
Rinsed.
2 cups
Diced tomatoes
14.5 oz
Unsweetened coconut milk
13.5 oz
Baby spinach
5 oz
Lime juice
2 tbsp
How to make it
- Combine the rice, 3 cups water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and cook for 15 minutes. Rest off the heat for 10 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, and turmeric and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the lentils, remaining water, tomatoes, coconut milk, and remaining salt. Simmer uncovered for 22 to 28 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the lime juice. Serve with the rice.
Who this list is for
This grocery list is for home cooks planning to make a red lentil coconut curry with rice for six people. It’s especially helpful if you want a plant-based main that’s thick, filling, and doesn’t require specialty ingredients. If you’re cooking for a group and want to avoid dairy or meat, this list covers what you’ll need.
How to use this list
Start by checking your pantry for staples like basmati rice, kosher salt, vegetable oil, and spices such as curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Next, scan your fridge for yellow onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Review your canned goods for diced tomatoes and unsweetened coconut milk. Pick up baby spinach and limes fresh. As you shop, cross off each item you already have. The rice cooks separately, so make sure you have enough water and a pot for each part.
Common mistakes OR What to skip
A common mistake is assuming any lentil will work; stick with dry red lentils for the right texture. Don’t substitute sweetened coconut milk, as it will throw off the flavor. Avoid skipping fresh ginger or lime juice—both add brightness that balances the curry. If you’re tempted to use pre-minced garlic or ginger, know that fresh makes a noticeable difference here.
What is on this list
You’ll need basmati rice, dry red lentils, yellow onion, garlic, fresh ginger, curry powder, ground cumin, ground turmeric, diced tomatoes, unsweetened coconut milk, baby spinach, and lime juice. Don’t forget vegetable oil and kosher salt. Cross off anything you already have at home to avoid buying extras.
Before you go
Before heading to the store, double-check your spice rack and canned goods. Make sure your rice and lentils are not expired. If you’re prepping ahead, chop onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger in advance. Once you’ve finished shopping, store spinach and limes in the fridge until ready to cook.
FAQ
Who is "Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe with Rice" for?
This grocery list is for home cooks planning to make a red lentil coconut curry with rice for six people. It’s especially helpful if you want a plant-based main that’s thick, filling, and doesn’t require specialty ingredients. If you’re cooking for a group and want to avoid dairy or meat, this list covers what you’ll need.
How should I use "Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe with Rice"?
Start by checking your pantry for staples like basmati rice, kosher salt, vegetable oil, and spices such as curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Next, scan your fridge for yellow onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Review your canned goods for diced tomatoes and unsweetened coconut milk. Pick up baby spinach and limes fresh. As you shop, cross off each item you…
What should I skip or avoid with "Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe with Rice"?
A common mistake is assuming any lentil will work; stick with dry red lentils for the right texture. Don’t substitute sweetened coconut milk, as it will throw off the flavor. Avoid skipping fresh ginger or lime juice—both add brightness that balances the curry. If you’re tempted to use pre-minced garlic or ginger, know that fresh makes a noticeable differen…
What is on the "Red Lentil Coconut Curry Recipe with Rice" list?
You’ll need basmati rice, dry red lentils, yellow onion, garlic, fresh ginger, curry powder, ground cumin, ground turmeric, diced tomatoes, unsweetened coconut milk, baby spinach, and lime juice. Don’t forget vegetable oil and kosher salt. Cross off anything you already have at home to avoid buying extras.
What should I do before I go?
Before heading to the store, double-check your spice rack and canned goods. Make sure your rice and lentils are not expired. If you’re prepping ahead, chop onions, mince garlic, and grate ginger in advance. Once you’ve finished shopping, store spinach and limes in the fridge until ready to cook.
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For general planning only. Valedo does not guarantee this list’s accuracy, completeness, or suitability. Verify information before relying on it. Not a substitute for professional advice or safety training.