Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This vibrant trio offers Indian, Thai, and Caribbean curries—each crafted in a single pan for swift, flavorful cooking. Chickpeas, lentils, and sweet potatoes get simmered with aromatic spices and coconut milk, creating satisfying vegetarian options. The dishes are ideal for busy weeknights and pair well with rice, flatbread, or naan. With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you’ll enjoy global tastes and rich textures in every serving. Customize heat levels and garnish with fresh herbs for a personal touch. Allergen information is included, and vegan adjustments are easy. Each curry yields about four meal-sized portions.

Updated on Fri, 07 Nov 2025 12:46:00 GMT
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices and coconut milk, perfect for weeknight dinners.  Pin
Vibrant Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices and coconut milk, perfect for weeknight dinners. | kitchenprairie.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by different world cuisines. Perfect for weeknights, these curries are packed with flavor and can be made with minimal fuss in a single pan.

When I first started cooking global dishes at home, these curries quickly became my weeknight staples. I love how each one brings bold flavors from different regions without demanding hours in the kitchen.

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, adjust to taste), 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 (sauté 1 minute). Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala (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 (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 (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.
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry featuring fresh veggies and aromatic coconut milk, serve with rice.  Pin
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry featuring fresh veggies and aromatic coconut milk, serve with rice. | kitchenprairie.com
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I love serving these curries for family dinners, especially on chilly evenings. Watching everyone choose their favorite and go back for seconds is always a hit in our house.

Required Tools

Large skillet or Dutch oven, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains coconut. Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Always check curry paste and broth labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 360, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 48 g, Protein: 12 g (per serving, average)

Delicious Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry garnished with fresh parsley, ideal for a hearty meal. Pin
Delicious Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry garnished with fresh parsley, ideal for a hearty meal. | kitchenprairie.com

Enjoy this trio of global curries, each brimming with flavor and warmth. Weeknight dinners will never be boring again!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can these curries be made vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based curry pastes and broths, and ensure all condiments are vegan-friendly for each dish.

What side dishes pair best?

Serve with steamed rice, naan, flatbread, or quinoa to complement the bright flavors and soak up sauces.

Can I substitute the primary legumes or beans?

Absolutely. Chickpeas, lentils, or black beans can be swapped with whites beans or split peas for variety.

How spicy are these curries?

Spice levels vary by dish and ingredients. Adjust chili quantities according to taste, or omit for milder meals.

What kitchen tools are essential?

A large skillet, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups, spoons, and a wooden spoon will cover all prep needs.

Are there allergens I should watch for?

These dishes may contain coconut, soy, and gluten. Always check curry paste and broth labels for allergen content.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Try three diverse, one-pan curries with bright flavors from Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cuisines; vegetarian and easy to make.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Diet specifications Vegetarian, 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 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
10 2 cans (14 ounces each) 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 can (14 ounces) 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 (optional, adjust to taste)
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
08 1 can (14 ounces) 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: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 1 minute. Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Incorporate diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring to simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Phase 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and Thai red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced red 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 fresh lime juice. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.

Phase 03

Prepare Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chili; cook for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peeled and 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 tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals 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 option.
  • Check curry paste and broth labels for allergens.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 360
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Protein: 12 g