Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Smart Weeknight Meals

This collection showcases three globally inspired curries, each designed for quick, one-pan cooking. Indian chickpea curry features savory spices and creamy coconut milk, Thai red lentil curry combines fragrant curry paste with lentils and fresh vegetables, while Caribbean sweet potato curry brings a gentle heat and hearty beans. Perfect for busy evenings, these dishes suit vegetarian and vegan diets, can be adjusted for heat, and pair well with rice or flatbreads. Prepare with simple tools and enjoy rich, layered flavors in less than an hour.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:12:00 GMT
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices, served with fresh cilantro garnish.  Pin it
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with spices, served with fresh cilantro garnish. | smartyskitchen.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by global cuisines. These flavor-packed curries are perfect for weeknights and can be prepared with minimal fuss using a single pan.

I love serving these curries on busy nights when everyone wants something comforting yet different. Each variation brings the essence of its cuisine to our dinner table and satisfies all tastes in one meal.

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, then sauté 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, cooking 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
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, cooking 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, cooking 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.
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One evening, my family gathered around the table, eagerly choosing which curry to scoop up first. Each person had a favorite, and together, we sampled every flavor until the pans were clean.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. A side of cooling yogurt or cucumber salad complements the spices.

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Swap chickpeas for white beans, or lentils for split peas. Adjust chili to your preferred heat, and toss in seasonal veggies for variety and nutrition.

Nutrition & Dietary Info

Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. These curries are vegetarian with easy vegan adaptations.

Vibrant Thai Red Lentil Curry overflowing with colorful veggies and coconut milk delight.  Pin it
Vibrant Thai Red Lentil Curry overflowing with colorful veggies and coconut milk delight. | smartyskitchen.com

Enjoy these global curries as a cozy main dish or for meal prep throughout the week. Each spoonful brings a taste of the world to your kitchen!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, simply ensure your curry paste and broth are vegan-friendly ingredients and substitute as needed.

What can I serve alongside these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, or flatbread make ideal accompaniments for soaking up flavorful sauces.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease chili quantities according to taste, and omit for a milder dish if preferred.

What equipment do I need?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring utensils, and a wooden spoon are recommended.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce in the Thai curry and always check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I substitute ingredients in these curries?

Chickpeas can be swapped with white beans, and lentils with split peas for a different texture and flavor.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Enjoy vibrant, easy curries inspired by Indian, Thai, and Caribbean flavors, all cooked in a single pan.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Overall Time
45 min
Created by Emily Scott


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Roots Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

What You'll Need

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, chopped, 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, chopped, 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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Indian Chickpea Curry: Aromatics Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Indian Chickpea Curry: Building Flavor: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute. Incorporate ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala; cook an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Indian Chickpea Curry: Sauce and Simmer: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Mix thoroughly, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring periodically.

Step 04

Indian Chickpea Curry: Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before plating.

Step 05

Thai Red Lentil Curry: Aromatics Preparation: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 06

Thai Red Lentil Curry: Layering Flavors: Add minced garlic and red curry paste, cook for 1 minute to release aromatics.

Step 07

Thai Red Lentil Curry: Cooking Lentils and Vegetables: Stir in rinsed red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are soft.

Step 08

Thai Red Lentil Curry: Finishing and Garnish: Season with soy sauce and fresh lime juice. Top with chopped basil or cilantro.

Step 09

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Aromatics Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 10

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Spice Infusion: Add minced garlic and chili, sauté for 1 minute. Stir in curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 11

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Simmering and Tenderizing: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, drained black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 12

Caribbean Sweet Potato Curry: Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review each item for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • All dishes contain coconut milk, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry may contain soy and gluten; use tamari for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Verify all curry pastes and broths for allergen content prior to use.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Info for reference only. Always check with your doctor for health guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 360
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Proteins: 12 g