Welcome to a world of flavor with our Slow Cooker Lentil Curry! This dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the vibrant essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aromatic embrace of spices and creamy coconut milk wafting through the air. With just 10 minutes of prep and 6 hours of hands-off cooking, you can create a hearty, nutritious dish that serves up to 6 people. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who loves a good curry, this recipe is your ticket to comfort food bliss. Get ready to savor every bite and impress your family or guests with this delightful culinary creation!
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or small stones, then drain well.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic and ginger, and dicing the carrots into small, uniform pieces.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, minced ginger, and diced carrots.
- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are well covered with liquid.
- Add the curry powder, stirring to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season with salt to taste, keeping in mind that vegetable broth may already contain some sodium.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the curry to cook for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the consistency of the lentils. They should be tender and fully cooked, with a creamy texture.
- If the curry seems too thick, add a little more vegetable broth. If too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce.
- Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
- Optional: Accompany with steamed rice or warm naan bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or stones, ensuring a clean and tasty dish.
- Chop Uniformly: For even cooking, dice your carrots and chop your onion to similar sizes. This ensures that all ingredients cook evenly and enhance the overall texture.
- Layering Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them in the order listed. This helps the spices to infuse better and allows the vegetables to cook perfectly.
- Adjusting Consistency: If your curry is too thick after cooking, simply add a splash more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your curry before serving! Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your palate, especially if using store-bought vegetable broth, which may vary in saltiness.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh cilantro garnish! It adds a burst of color and freshness that elevates the dish.
- Serve with Sides: For a complete meal, pair your lentil curry with steamed rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This curry stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
