Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: One-Pot Wonders

Explore a medley of global curries, each crafted in one pan for simplicity and bold taste. Indian Chickpea, Thai Red Lentil, and Caribbean Sweet Potato bring fragrant spices and hearty ingredients together in minimal time. Enjoy chickpeas simmered with coconut and tomatoes, lentils infused with red curry paste and fresh vegetables, and sweet potatoes paired with beans and Caribbean heat. With just a few pantry staples and aromatic herbs, you'll savor vibrant meals that are both convenient and packed with international flair. Serve with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread for a comforting, nourishing dinner.

Updated on Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:15:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a single pan, garnished with fresh cilantro.  Save
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering in a single pan, garnished with fresh cilantro. | toastytongs.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by different global cuisines. These curries are perfect for busy weeknights, packed with delicious flavors and simple enough to prepare in a single pan.

I fell in love with single-pan curries while searching for hearty vegetarian meals that offered variety and comfort during our weeknight dinners. Each variation in this trio brought something new to the table, keeping things exciting without extra work.

Ingredients

  • Indian Chickpea Curry: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch piece fresh ginger (grated), 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 2 (14 oz/400 g) cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk, 1 tsp salt, fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Thai Red Lentil Curry: 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste, 1 cup (200 g) red lentils (rinsed), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth, 1 medium carrot (sliced), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, juice of 1 lime, fresh basil or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 medium onion (sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili (deseeded and minced, optional), 1 tbsp curry powder, 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can coconut milk, 1 (14 oz/400 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper (to taste), fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Indian Chickpea Curry:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger and sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Thai Red Lentil Curry:
Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and curry paste and cook 1 minute. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.
Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and chili and cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Flavorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with vegetables and creamy coconut milk, ready to serve.  Save
Flavorful Thai Red Lentil Curry bubbling with vegetables and creamy coconut milk, ready to serve. | toastytongs.com

Every time I make these curries, my family gathers around the table, excited to choose their favorite. It always sparks fun conversation about different cultures and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve any of these curries over steamed rice, with naan, or your favorite flatbread. They also pair well with a simple cucumber salad.

Ingredient Swaps

Try swapping chickpeas for white beans in the Indian curry, or use split peas instead of lentils in the Thai curry for a fresh twist.

Allergen & Nutrition Info

Contains coconut (tree nut allergen). Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. For gluten-free, use tamari. Each serving averages 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein.

Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, rich with spices and garnished for a delightful meal. Save
Colorful Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry, rich with spices and garnished for a delightful meal. | toastytongs.com

This trio of global curries brings warmth and variety to any meal. Try all three to find your favorite!

Single-Pan Global Curries

Cook three flavorful, international curries in one pan—ideal for quick, satisfying vegetarian dinners.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Dairy

Components

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
05 2 teaspoons ground cumin
06 2 teaspoons ground coriander
07 1 teaspoon turmeric
08 1 teaspoon garam masala
09 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
10 2 (14 ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
11 1 cup coconut milk
12 1 teaspoon salt
13 Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Thai Red Lentil Curry

01 2 tablespoons coconut oil
02 1 medium onion, diced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
05 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
06 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
07 2 cups vegetable broth
08 1 medium carrot, sliced
09 1 red bell pepper, sliced
10 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 Juice of 1 lime
12 Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, sliced
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero chili, deseeded and minced
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
08 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; stir for 1 minute until aromatic. Mix in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring intermittently. Finish with fresh cilantro.

Phase 02

Cook Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan on medium. Add diced onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute. Add rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cooking for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender, stirring occasionally. Add soy sauce and fresh lime juice. Garnish with basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Assemble Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté sliced onion until softened, around 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and let cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut (tree nut allergen).
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); use tamari for gluten-free preparation.
  • Confirm curry paste and broth packaging for undisclosed allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g