Slow cooker lentil curry is easily made with simple ingredients. This hearty vegan dish is a crowd pleaser!
Yesterday I made the mistake of wandering into the Target dollar spot. It started out innocently enough, with my son saying, “Look, Star Wars stuff!” And then I don’t know what happened, but I blinked and my cart was full of burlap banners, glittered fall leaf banners, Halloween baker’s twine, wooden haunted houses, felt pumpkins, and twinkle lights. Oops.
Of course we had to come home and decorate, and then guess what Darryl came home with? Mini pumpkins.
It’s officially fall in the Roenicke household. :) So we may as well embrace it and bust out the slow cooker recipes.
This slow cooker lentil curry is one of those recipes that I just kind of threw together one day that turned into one of our favorite family meals. It’s hearty, because of the lentils, and full of flavor from the tomato paste, coconut milk, and spices.
When I made this for the first time, it was one of those situations where you can’t stop eating…just a little more, and a little more, just a spoonful of sauce…it’s hard to walk away from. So don’t say I didn’t warn you!
I used half regular green lentils and half French green lentils because that’s what I had in the pantry. You could use just green lentils, or just French green lentils, or even black (Beluga) lentils. If you use black lentils it may take a little bit longer to cook. I would not recommend using red lentils in this slow cooker lentil curry recipe, because they will just turn to mush.
This slow cooker lentil curry is:
- family friendly
- free of the top 8 allergens
- the perfect easy weeknight meal
- a simple, tasty vegan dinner
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Slow Cooker Lentil Curry.
Healthy lentils cooked in a rich coconut cream curry sauce - this slow cooker lentil curry is a comforting dish for chilly nights!
Ingredients
- 1 red onion diced - you could also use a yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 yellow pepper diced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups green lentils or French green lentils
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste or ⅓ cup tomato sauce
- 1 can full fat coconut milk
- 3 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 ½ cups water
- Jasmine rice for serving or Brown Basmati Rice
Instructions
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Place the red onion, minced garlic, diced pepper, and olive oil in the slow cooker.
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Pick over and rinse the lentils and add to the slow cooker.
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Add all the other ingredients and stir.
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Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 ½ - 5 hours. Check periodically and add more liquid if needed.
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Serve over Jasmine rice.
Recipe Notes
Since models of slow cookers vary, your cooking time may be longer or shorter.
Feel free to customize this lentil curry. If you don’t have a red onion, try a sweet onion or white onion. No fresh garlic? Add some garlic powder. This is a very forgiving recipe.
This recipe is such a favorite in our house that it’s even requested for birthday dinners. If you want to try another easy curry recipe, try this spinach aloo palak.
Have you gotten out the slow cooker yet? What are you making?
Caroline
Hello, I am looking to make this recipe. I live in the UK and wondered what the measurements are in grams and ml?? Different websites seem to say different things? Is a cup 125 grams or 250grams?? Many thanks, Caroline
Tanja
This is delicious! I didn’t have enough time so I cooked it on high for 3h and it was perfect.
3&5 year old approved!
Lisa
This was so easy and amazing! Definitely a repeat!
Hannah
I would venture to say this is one of the best things I have eaten in in forever. Sooo good! Very flavorful and filling and the whole family loved it. We will definitely be making this again! Thanks for the recipe.
Jan Vernor-Howard
This is delicious!!!
Paula
Great recipe! It is so easy to prep, and it makes one of the best curries I’ve ever had. I will definitely be making this again!
P.S. I had all the ingredients on hand, except for the green lentils, so I used brown.
Kelly Roenicke
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know!
Allison
I’ve made this twice now, each time following the recipe to a “T”! This is an absolutely perfect recipe. The seasoning is spot on, the cook time is exact…I never write reviews but I just had to with this recipe. Restaurant quality!!!
Kelly Roenicke
I am so glad to hear this! Thank you!
Janine Boscarino
Love this recipe ❤️
BB
I never comment but this has been my absolute favorite homemade Indian recipe since forever. Freezes well and I always add a hefty amount of red chili flake for some extra heat!!
Kelly Roenicke
So glad to hear that! Thank you for telling me!
Rhéa Mageau
Does the nutritional I formation include the rice ? I.e. the 376 calories is that with rice ?
Kris
The lentil slow cooker curry is next level. Tried it in late December 2019 and have made it 6 times since then, including the batch one now!! Many thanks!
Becky
Hi, what curry powder would you suggest?
Heather
I don’t comment often but I must say this is one of my most made recipes. Everyone in my family loves it, including my toddler. We’re all meat eaters but also prefer to eat healthy. I use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. I also cook the onion and garlic beforehand to deepen the flavor. I use shallot instead of red onion as I don’t like red onion. So fantastic and filling! It freezes well too.
Kelly Roenicke
I’m so happy to hear this!
Carolyn
Delicious! My husband and I are meat eaters but this is the best non meat curry we’ve ever had. Will certainly be making this again. Feels so healthy!