Single-Pan Global Curries

Featured in: Global Heat

Enjoy three lively curries from around the world, made effortlessly in a single pan: a spiced chickpea medley, creamy Thai lentils, and vibrant Caribbean sweet potatoes. Each brings bold flavors and easy prep, ideal for busy weeknights. With coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, these mains suit vegetarian diets—with vegan options available. Serve alongside steamed rice or flatbread for a satisfying meal. Customize the level of heat, swap legumes, and garnish with fresh herbs for a colorful finish. Quick to cook, packed with nutrients, and simple to clean up, these curries offer a delicious global journey in every bite.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:20:00 GMT
Delicious single-pan global curries simmering with vibrant spices and fresh herbs.  Save
Delicious single-pan global curries simmering with vibrant spices and fresh herbs. | pepperplume.com

A vibrant collection of three easy, one-pot curries inspired by global cuisines. Perfect for weeknights, these flavorful curries require minimal fuss and just a single pan for cooking.

I love offering these curries for family dinners because each brings something unique to the table, and everyone can find a favorite. The ease of using just one pan means less time cleaning and more time enjoying a rich variety of flavors together.

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 for 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 and cook 1 minute. Stir in lentils, coconut milk, broth, carrot, and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, 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.
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One evening, my kids helped chop veggies for these curries, making dinner prep a joyful family event. Sharing the different curry styles soon became a tasty tradition we all look forward to.

Serving Suggestions

Pair any curry with steamed rice, naan, or flatbread for a satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite fresh herbs for extra fragrance.

Allergen Information

These curries contain coconut. The Thai curry includes soy sauce, which may have soy and wheat. Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option, and always check labels on curry paste and broth.

Nutritional Information

Average per serving: 360 calories, 13 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein.

A colorful display of Indian chickpea, Thai lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato curries.  Save
A colorful display of Indian chickpea, Thai lentil, and Caribbean sweet potato curries. | pepperplume.com

Enjoy these curries throughout the week for a world of taste in your kitchen. One pan brings everyone together for a memorable and easy dinner.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these curries vegan?

Yes, use plant-based broth and curry paste, and ensure all sauces are vegan-friendly.

What sides pair well with these dishes?

Try steamed rice, naan, or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauces.

Are these curries gluten-free?

Most are gluten-free, but check labels and use tamari in place of soy sauce for the Thai dish.

How can I adjust the spice levels?

Reduce chili or curry paste for milder taste, or increase for more heat, based on personal preference.

Can I substitute legumes or vegetables?

Certainly! Swap chickpeas for white beans, lentils for split peas, or alter veggies to taste.

What kitchen tools are needed?

A large skillet or Dutch oven, chef’s knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons, and wooden spoon.

Single-Pan Global Curries

Explore Indian, Thai, Caribbean curries made in one pan—flavorful, easy, and perfect for busy nights.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage Indian, Thai, Caribbean

Output 12 Portions

Diet 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 powder
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)
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 dried 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. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute. Incorporate cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, stirring until aromatic. Pour in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and salt. Stir thoroughly, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Phase 02

Prepare Thai Red Lentil Curry: Warm coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Mix in garlic and red curry paste; sauté for 1 minute. Stir in rinsed lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, carrot slices, and bell pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring periodically, until lentils are tender. Stir in soy sauce and 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. Sauté onion until softened, roughly 5 minutes. Add garlic and minced chili; cook for 1 minute. Mix in curry powder and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Combine diced sweet potatoes, coconut milk, black beans, vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains coconut, a tree nut allergen.
  • Soy sauce used in Thai curry may contain soy and wheat (gluten); substitute tamari for gluten-free option.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for curry paste and broth to rule out undisclosed allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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