Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Garden-Inspired Meals

Discover three vibrant curries—Indian chickpea, Thai red lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato—crafted in one pan for simplicity and bold flavors. Each version includes aromatic vegetables, warming spices, hearty legumes or sweet potatoes, and creamy coconut milk. The step-by-step instructions make these dishes perfect for busy evenings, while garnishes like fresh herbs enhance color and taste. Vegan options are included, with flexible swaps for ingredients. Serve each curry alongside rice or bread for a satisfying, globally-inspired meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:24:00 GMT
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with coconut milk and vibrant spices in a skillet.  Pin
Aromatic Indian Chickpea Curry simmering with coconut milk and vibrant spices in a skillet. | toastybasil.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by cuisines from India, Thailand, and the Caribbean. Perfect for busy weeknights, these curries are packed with flavor and require minimal fuss, all made in a single pan for convenience.

I first tried making all three curries in one week, and my family loved the variety and how easy it was to clean up after dinner. Each curry brought a unique taste to the table, making it enjoyable to explore different flavors without much effort.

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.
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| toastybasil.com

These curries have become a favorite for sharing at family meals. Everyone enjoys picking their favorite, and they pair perfectly with steamed rice or homemade naan for comforting dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the curries with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread. Fresh lemon wedges or side salads add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Tips

For vegan curries, use plant-based curry paste and broth. Chickpeas can be swapped with white beans, and lentils with split peas for variety. Adjust chili quantities for desired heat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein. These values are averages and may vary by portion and ingredient brand.

Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.  Pin
Colorful Thai Red Lentil Curry with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, perfect for busy weeknights. | toastybasil.com

Enjoy exploring new flavors from a single pan with these easy global curries. They are sure to bring lively taste and comfort to any weeknight meal.

Recipe Q&A

Can I substitute coconut milk in these curries?

Yes, you can use almond or cashew cream, or a dairy-free creamer for a different texture and flavor.

How spicy are these curries?

Spice levels vary. Adjust chili or curry paste amount to suit your heat preference for each version.

Can I make these curries vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan curry paste, plant-based broth, and confirm all packaged ingredients are dairy-free.

What sides pair best with these curries?

Steamed rice, naan, roti, or flatbread complement the curries and soak up sauces beautifully.

Are there gluten-free options?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check curry paste labels for gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, curries freeze well. Store in airtight containers for up to three months and reheat gently.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Three vibrant, globally-inspired curries made in a single pan for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min


Skill level Easy

Origin Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Dairy-free

Components

Indian Chickpea Curry

01 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 inch 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 diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
10 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed (each 14 ounces)
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 coconut milk (14 ounces)
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)
05 1 tablespoon curry powder
06 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
07 1 can coconut milk (14 ounces)
08 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (14 ounces)
09 1 cup vegetable broth
10 1 teaspoon thyme
11 Salt and pepper, to taste
12 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Indian Chickpea Curry Base: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion until soft, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate Spices: Add ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Toast spices for 1 minute.

Step 04

Simmer Curry Mixture: Add diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 05

Finish with Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro prior to serving.

Step 06

Prepare Thai Lentil Curry Base: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 07

Add Garlic and Curry Paste: Stir in minced garlic and Thai red curry paste. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 08

Combine Main Ingredients: Add red lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, sliced carrot, and sliced red bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender.

Step 09

Season and Garnish: Stir in soy sauce and lime juice. Finish with fresh basil or cilantro as garnish.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Add Garlic and Chili: Stir in minced garlic and chopped chili, cooking for 1 minute.

Step 12

Incorporate Curry Powder: Add curry powder and stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 13

Add Remaining Ingredients: Add diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 14

Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 15

Finish and Garnish: Top with chopped parsley before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy information

Review each component for possible allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce in Thai curry contains soy and may contain wheat; tamari can be used for gluten-free variations.
  • Always check curry paste and broth labels for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Carbs: 48 g
  • Protein: 12 g