Simple Lentil Curry with Broccoli

Featured in Veggie meals full of flavor.

This vegetarian curry combines crisp broccoli and tender red lentils in a rich coconut milk sauce. Toasted cashews add a satisfying crunch.
Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:21:46 GMT
A bowl of thick broccoli and carrot soup topped with nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl of thick broccoli and carrot soup topped with nuts, seeds, and fresh herbs. | Tasteofsavor.com

This flavorful curry was inspired by traditional Thai cooking, combining crispy broccoli with melt-in-your-mouth red lentils. The aromatic blend of coconut milk and curry paste creates an inviting dish that fills the kitchen with warm, exotic spices.

A Comforting Curry Creation

This warming vegetarian curry has become a weeknight favorite. The red lentils cook down to create a creamy base while the broccoli maintains its satisfying crunch. Even those who typically avoid vegetable-focused dishes keep coming back for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

  • Vegetables: Fresh broccoli florets and crisp market carrots
  • Legumes: Quick-cooking red lentils
  • Aromatics: Authentic Thai curry paste
  • Liquid Base: Rich coconut milk and homemade vegetable stock
  • Garnish: Golden-roasted cashews
  • Seasonings: Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Cooking Method

Initial Preparation
Start the fragrant broth while preparing the fresh vegetables.
Building Flavors
Toast the curry paste with sautéed onions to release the aromatics.
Main Cooking
Combine crisp vegetables and lentils in the coconut milk broth.
Finishing Touch
Top with toasted cashews for added crunch and depth.
Un bol de curry végétarien avec du brocoli, des carottes, des lentilles, des noix de cajou et du riz blanc, garni de feuilles de basilic. Pin it
Un bol de curry végétarien avec du brocoli, des carottes, des lentilles, des noix de cajou et du riz blanc, garni de feuilles de basilic. | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this aromatic curry over fragrant basmati rice, with toasted cashews scattered on top for textural contrast. For a lighter alternative, substitute the rice with quinoa. The dish pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do I need to soak red lentils?
No, red lentils cook very fast and don’t need to be soaked. Just rinse them before cooking.
→ Can I swap broccoli with another ingredient?
Absolutely! Use cauliflower or green beans instead, but adjust their cooking time as needed.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep the curry in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm it up gently, adding a little water if it looks too thick.
→ Are cashews necessary?
No, you can switch them out with almonds, pumpkin seeds, or skip them altogether for a nut-free version.
→ Which curry paste works best?
Both red and yellow curry pastes are great choices. Add more or less, depending on how spicy you like it.

Broccoli Lentil Curry

A vibrant vegetarian curry blending crunchy broccoli with soft red lentils, lightly spiced and enriched with coconut milk, finished with roasted cashews.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 broccoli.
02 2 carrots.
03 1 onion.
04 70g red lentils.
05 4 teaspoons curry paste.
06 100ml coconut milk.
07 1 vegetable stock cube.
08 1 tablespoon cashews.
09 400ml water.
10 A pinch of salt and black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up the water and dissolve the veggie stock cube in it.

Step 02

Slice the onion, cut the carrots into sticks, and separate the broccoli florets.

Step 03

Cook the onion with the curry paste for 2 minutes. Add the carrots and broccoli, and cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 04

Mix in the lentils, coconut milk, and prepared stock. Let it simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Toast the cashews in a small pan for 2 minutes and toss them on top when serving.

Notes

  1. A balanced vegetarian curry that combines the crunch of broccoli with the creamy red lentils.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sauté pan with a lid.
  • Small frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (cashews).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 15 g