Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Spicy Red Lentil Curry! Packed with flavor and warmth, this curry is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Great flavors: The combination of spices in this curry creates a rich and aromatic dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.

Perfect for meal prep: This curry tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredient Notes:

Red lentils: These lentils cook quickly and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for curries.
Avocado oil or olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and spices.

Garlic, ginger, and serrano peppers: These add depth and heat to the dish.
Various spices: Including cumin, coriander, curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
Coconut milk and crushed tomatoes: These provide creaminess and a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.

Lemon juice and fresh cilantro: Added at the end for a burst of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Heat oil in a large pot and sauté garlic, ginger, and serrano peppers until fragrant.
Add in the spices and toast for a minute to release their flavors.

Stir in the lentils, coconut milk, and crushed tomatoes, then simmer until lentils are tender.
Finish with lemon juice and cilantro before serving.

Helpful Tips:

For a milder curry, remove the seeds from the serrano peppers.

Adjust the spices to your preference for more or less heat.
Serve over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
This curry freezes well for future meals.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Toasting the spices before adding the liquid will enhance their flavors.
Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Allow the curry to sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

This Spicy Red Lentil Curry pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice, garlic naan, and a side of cucumber raita. For drinks, try a refreshing mango lassi or a cold beer to balance the heat.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, transfer the curry to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red lentils? While red lentils cook faster, you can substitute with other lentils, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this curry spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted by reducing or omitting the serrano peppers and cayenne pepper.
Can I make this curry ahead of time? Yes, this curry actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Conclusion:

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Spicy Red Lentil Curry is a must-try for any curry lover. Give it a shot and let us know how it turns out! Enjoy!