Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
This Slow Cooker Lentil Curry is all about whipping up a vegetarian curry without breaking a sweat! Lentils and juicy tomato slowly cook together, swimming in a coconut curry sauce that’s packed with flavor. If you’ve yet to try making lentil curry in the crock pot you’ve been missing out! It’s just the kind of simple, easy (like, really easy) meal that leaves everyone feelin’ happy and full!
Ya’know how sometimes you just toss a few things together in the kitchen, not expecting much, and it turns out to be a hit? That’s exactly the story behind this slow cooker lentil curry recipe. It started as a bit of an experiment on a lazy afternoon and quickly became a staple at home. I mean, it’s got everything you want in a hearty vegetarian meal – lentils for substance and protein and a rich blend of coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry powder, and spinach for an explosion of flavor. What’s not to love?!
Slow Cooker Lentil Curry Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: Indian
Number of Ingredients: 5 (excluding water and salt)
Feeds: A family of 6-8
Total Cook Time: 5 hours, 20 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooking
Dietary Info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Key Flavor: Creamy, savory curry
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Meal Prep Must: This slow cooker lentil curry is PERFECT for those busy days when cooking is the last thing on your mind, but you still crave something homemade and satisfying. Whip up a batch at the start of the week, and you’ve got yourself several hearty meals ready to go!
- Simplicity at Its Best: Instead of sweating over the stove and stirring pots, I leaned on my faithful crock pot for this slow cooker lentil curry recipe. Because, let’s be honest, if there’s a way to make cooking easier, I’m all over it.
- Flavor-Packed: Lentil curry is creamy, savory, spicy, and utterly delicious. It’s one of those meals where you keep going back for “just a bit more” until you realize you’ve nearly polished off the pot by yourself.
- Budget-Friendly: This dish proves that eating well doesn’t have to drain your wallet. All the ingredients are pretty cheap, but lentils, in particular, are the unsung hero of budget-conscious cooks. They offer both protein and heartiness without the hefty price tag!
Ingredients to make Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
- Lentils: Feel free to use green or brown lentils here – they hold up well in the slow cooker. Red lentils, on the other hand, are too soft and can get mushy.
- Coconut Milk: It’s what gives this crockpot lentil curry recipe its rich texture and subtle sweetness. If you wanna lighten things up, you can opt for light coconut milk. However, I suggest you use full-fat. It’s waaay creamier.
- Curry Powder: Curry powders can vary in heat, so pick one that suits your spice preference. I like mine mild, but if you want it hotter, go for it!
- Diced Tomatoes: With their juice, they bring acidity and a hint of sweetness. If you’ve got fresh tomatoes begging to be used, chop them up and throw ’em in.
- Fresh Spinach: It wilts down beautifully in the curry, mingling with all the other flavors to bring a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
- Salt: To enhance all the flavors we’ve got going on.
- Water: So that the lentils cook and don’t stay dry like the Sahara!
How to make Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
- Add the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and water to your slow cooker.
- Season with salt, giving it a thorough stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined, and the lentils are fully submerged.
- Cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours.
- Once the lentils are almost done, add in the fresh spinach.
- Gently fold the spinach into the lentils, and serve.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Add Extra Vegetables: Got some veggies lounging around in your fridge? Carrots, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes? Chop ’em up and toss them in with those lentils! They’ll cook up in the slow cooker and come out tender and flavorful.
- A Little Sweetness: If you like to add a touch of sweetness in your savory dishes, adding a spoonful or two of coconut sugar or brown sugar to the coconut milk will do the trick.
- DIY Curry Powder: If you ran out of curry powder, a little turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a dash of chili powder will create a custom blend that’s all your own.
- Garam Masala Magic: Sprinkling a bit of garam masala along with the other seasonings into your curry adds an extra burst of flavor that’s warm, aromatic, and downright cozy. It truly makes the crockpot lentil curry pop just before it hits the table!
Tips for making the best slow cooker coconut lentil curry
- Shake Up That Coconut Milk: Before you crack open those cans of coconut milk, give ’em a good shake. Coconut milk tends to separate, and shaking it ensures you get all that creamy goodness evenly distributed in your curry.
- Rinse Those Lentils: Don’t skip rinsing your lentils. A quick wash under cold water does wonders, removing any dirt or debris that might be hanging out.
- Do a Taste Test: Not all lentils cook at the same pace, especially in a slow cooker. Give them a taste test around the 4-hour mark to see how tender they are. You’re aiming for that perfect, tender bite – not too mushy, not too firm. Just right.
- Let It Rest: Once everything’s cooked, give your coconut lentil curry a few minutes to sit off the heat before you dive in, so the flavors meld together even more.
How to store & reheat Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
To store your yummy slow cooker coconut lentil curry, you have to let it cool for a bit first. Then, spoon it into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge.
When you’re ready for round two (or three!), reheating is a breeze. Just scoop out what you need into a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. For a quick fix, pour your curry into a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel, and zap it on high for a few minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
How long will Slow Cooker Lentil Curry last in the fridge?
This curry keeps its charm in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Oh, and it’s the kind of dish that tastes better the next day!
Can I freeze This crockpot lentil curry recipe?
Sure! Cool the curry completely before packing it into freezer-friendly containers or bags. Then, push out all the air you can and label with the freezing date. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost in the microwave when you’re ready for a taste, and reheat as above.
What to serve with Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
- Flatbreads: There’s nothing quite like tearing off a piece of warm, fluffy flatbread to scoop up that rich curry. Whether it’s naan, roti, or pita, it just feels right. Definitely try it!
- Rice: The zesty flavor profile of lime rice brings such a refreshing contrast, it’s unbelievable. I started making this because of my Chipotle obsession, and now, it’s a must-have at my table whenever curry’s on the menu. If you prefer to just have a neutral flavored rice, my stick of butter rice recipe goes great too!
- Dollop of Cream: Adding a dollop of cream or yogurt on top of curry is something I believe everyone should do. I’ve been leaning towards coconut yogurt lately for that extra coconutty vibe, and it’s SO good!
- Crisp Cucumber Salad: When I’m feeling fancy, I whip up a quick cucumber salad. Thin slices of cucumber with a dash of vinegar, oil, and some herbs – it’s the refreshing side that you didn’t know you needed.
- Pickled Goodies: Don’t even get me started on pickles and chutneys with curry. The first time I tried mango chutney with my lentil curry, my taste buds were on cloud nine. That tangy-sweet punch is something else!
Frequently asked questions
My curry is too thick. What can I do?
Just stir in a bit more water until you reach your desired consistency. Easy peasy!
Can I make this curry spicier?
Definitely! If you’re all about that heat, feel free to add some diced chili peppers, a bit more curry powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper when you’re adding the rest of your spices.
I forgot to add the spinach. Can I add it after the curry is done?
For sure! Simply stir it into the hot curry at the end of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the spinach just fine.
I have a feeling you’re gonna fall HARD for this effortless Slow Cooker Lentil Curry! It’s a game changer for busy weeknights or when you’re just looking for a chill yet cozy meal. Just throw all the goodies into your slow cooker, switch it on, and forget about it. It’s almost too easy to be true!
More Easy less slow cooker recipes:
- Slow Cooker Greek Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Thighs (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Breasts (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker Garlic Chicken (5 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip (3 Ingredients)
- Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
- Slow Cooker Lentil Soup With Ham
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Slow Cooker Lentil Curry recipe or any other of my easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Slow Cooker Lentil Curry
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked lentils rinsed
- 2 14 oz cans coconut milk
- 1/4 cup curry powder
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with their juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, add the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, curry powder, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and water.
- Season with salt, giving it a thorough stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and the lentils are fully submerged.
- Cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours.
- Once the lentils are almost done, gently fold in the fresh spinach, and serve.
Notes
- Shake Up That Coconut Milk: Before you crack open those cans of coconut milk, give ’em a good shake. Coconut milk tends to separate, and shaking it ensures you get all that creamy goodness evenly distributed in your curry.
- Rinse Those Lentils: Don’t skip rinsing your lentils. A quick wash under cold water does wonders, removing any dirt or debris that might be hanging out.
- Do a Taste Test: Not all lentils cook at the same pace, especially in a slow cooker. Give them a taste test around the 4-hour mark to see how tender they are. You’re aiming for that perfect, tender bite – not too mushy, not too firm. Just right.
- Let It Rest: Once everything’s cooked, give your coconut lentil curry a few minutes to sit off the heat before you dive in, so the flavors meld together even more.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
