Lentil and Spinach Curry

Featured in: Zesty Weeknight Plate Ideas

This hearty one-pot meal features tender lentils cooked slowly with fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and savory vegetables. A blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika creates a warm, earthy flavor profile. The dish is easy to prepare, simmering all ingredients to tender perfection in under an hour. Finished with lemon juice and fresh cilantro, it offers a vibrant, nutritious dinner option that suits vegan and gluten-free preferences.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:12:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, a vibrant vegan dish garnished with cilantro. Save on Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Lentil and Spinach Curry, a vibrant vegan dish garnished with cilantro. | lemoncairn.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 quickly became a household favorite for its ease and hearty flavors.

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

Step 1:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4 5 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 3 4 minutes until wilted.
Step 7:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Step 8:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Save on Pinterest
| lemoncairn.com

This dish brings warmth and comfort to our family dinners, creating moments of togetherness around the table.

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

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

Close-up of a flavorful Lentil and Spinach Curry, showcasing tender lentils and fresh spinach. Save on Pinterest
Close-up of a flavorful Lentil and Spinach Curry, showcasing tender lentils and fresh spinach. | lemoncairn.com

Enjoy this nourishing curry as a wholesome addition to your weekly meals.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What lentils work best for this dish?

Green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold shape well and develop a hearty texture when cooked slowly.

Can I substitute the spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives that also complement the spices and textures.

How can I add richness to the dish?

Stirring in a splash of coconut milk before serving adds a creamy, luscious layer of flavor.

What kind of broth should I use?

Vegetable broth or water both work well; using broth enhances depth, but water keeps it light.

Is it possible to add some heat to this dish?

Yes, including chili flakes adds a subtle spicy kick; adjust amount according to taste.

Lentil and Spinach Curry

Earthy lentils and fresh spinach combine with warming spices in a wholesome one-pot dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
50 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Fusion / Woodland-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details Plant-Based, Milk-Free, 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 piece 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 ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
05 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
08 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

01 1 tablespoon lemon juice
02 Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add Garlic, Ginger, and Carrot: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced carrot. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Simmer Lentils: 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

Adjust Liquid and Check Tenderness: Assess lentils for tenderness. If still firm, add additional broth or water and continue cooking as needed.

Step 06

Incorporate Spinach: Fold in chopped spinach and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted.

Step 07

Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.

Step 08

Serve: Dish out hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains no common allergens; verify broth ingredients for gluten or soy if sensitivities exist.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 230
  • Total Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 11 g