| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 10g | 6g | 48g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 12g | 16g | 0.80g |
Why I Love French Vegetable and Lentil Curry
There is something deeply satisfying about preparing a dish that tantalizes the tongue while nourishing the body. Today, we take a detour from my traditional Caribbean and Spanish roots and venture into the heart of French cuisine with the recipe of Vegetable and Lentil Curry. An absolutely delightful dish, where the fresh and lively ingredients like vegetables and lentils intertwine with aromatic herbs to create a melody of flavors, bursting with every bite.
A Journey Outside My Comfort Zone
Being a dance teacher, just like in choreographing a dance, I believe in the rhythm of flavors when creating a new dish. This French recipe, the Vegetable and Lentil Curry, brings a waltz of its own, combining a myriad of different ingredients, subtly swaying with the music of herbs and spices, gesturing in a ballet of sweet, tangy, and a mild kick of spice, creating a harmony that leaves you craving more. Although distanced from my usual style, I found myself inspired by the renowned French chef, Julia Child, who made art out of French cuisine.
An Unexpected Marriage
Pairing this aromatic and hearty curry with a bowl of steamed rice cranks up the comfort factor, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option. For those preferring the low-carb route, don’t fret. This curry works wonders with a warm and fluffy cauliflower gratin, adding an interesting texture and taste contrast. Additionally, it bears similarity to the Roasted Vegetable Lentil Salad in the sense of ingredients used, but presents a richer, warmer feel, further enhanced by the addition of coconut milk.
The Vegetable and Lentil Curry might not be the kind you’d find on coastal Cuban streets or a bustling tapas bar in Spain. Still, it’s a humble reminder of the limitless potential of ingredients and flavors, all coming together in a delightful dance. Even when the beat changes, the dance can still be beautiful, full of life, and above all, delicious.
So, here’s to exploring uncharted territories, here’s to beautiful ballets of food, and here’s to the Vegetable and Lentil Curry!
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 cups packed fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger to the pan, stirring frequently and sautéing until the onion is translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
Step Two
Add the curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pan, stirring until the spices are well incorporated and begin to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger.
Step Three
Next, add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, diced bell pepper, and rinsed lentils to the pan. Stir to mix in the vegetables and lentils with the previously added ingredients.
Step Four
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, and then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are soft.
Step Five
Once the lentils and vegetables are cooked through, stir in the coconut milk. Continue simmering the curry uncovered until the coconut milk is heated through.
Step Six
Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt into the curry. Add salt to taste, and optional chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Step Seven
Serve the vegetable and lentil curry over steamed rice and enjoy!
