You do not need expensive ingredients to make a satisfying homemade dinner. This one-pot lentil vegetable curry uses lentils, vegetables, tomatoes and everyday spices to create a filling meal that works well for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped, or canned tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, optional
- 4 cups water or low-salt vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
Method
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a large pot and cook the onion and carrots for a few minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, curry powder and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes, lentils and water or stock.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the lentils are soft.
- Add a little extra water if you prefer a thinner curry.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
How to Make It Go Further
Serve the curry with rice, whole-wheat flatbread or a large portion of vegetables. You can also add leftover vegetables such as spinach, peas or cauliflower near the end of cooking.
Why It Works for a Budget
Lentils are a useful pantry staple because they are filling and versatile. Combining them with vegetables and grains creates a simple meal without relying on expensive ingredients.
Money-Saving Tip
Cook a larger batch and refrigerate suitable leftovers promptly. Reheating a planned leftover meal can save both money and time on another busy day.